Subject Guides - Education (Primary)

Education (Primary)

Welcome to the Education (Primary) Subject Guide

The StMU Library is here to support you with your academic research needs. These subject guides are curated to provide you with the information you need to get started in your course.

Credible. Reliable. Curated.

This guide is an excellent starting point for research, but please contact us if you can't find what you are looking for. We're happy to assist you by email, phone a virtual meeting or, if you're near the Library, stop by for a visit.

KEEP INFORMED

Stay on top of the latest research from your favourite journals and databases with email alerts.

FIND EVIDENCE

Books, journals, and databases help you locate background information, peer-reviewed articles and reference resources.

USING GOOGLE

The web is a goldmine if you know where to look. We've done the mining for you to compile online resources that will make your work easier.

Below are some suggested databases for Education (Primary).

Databases

Databases allow you to search collections of journals, articles, books, topic reviews, evidence-based summaries and drug information. StMU databases include Core Databases which are curated collections focusing on a specific subject area and Multidisciplinary Databases which provide broad subject coverage in all areas of undergraduate study.

Core Databases

EBSCOhost Education Full Text

Full-text content and in-depth indexing and abstracts from leading trade and industrial journals, professional and technical society journals.

EBSCOhost Education Research Complete

Education Research Complete is a robust database for education students, professionals and policymakers. Providing hundreds of full-text education journals, it covers all levels of education, from early childhood to higher education, plus multilingual education, health education and testing.

ERIC (EBSCO)

ERIC is a web-based digital library of free education-related sources of interest to educators, researchers, and the general public, and consists primarily of electronic bibliographic records describing journal and non-journal literature.

Canadian Business & Current Affairs Database (ProQuest)

CBCA Complete is a current events database combining content from four subsets (Business, Current Events, Education, and Reference).

JSTOR Arts & Sciences 4

This collection expands JSTOR’s coverage in economics, law, education, sociology, psychology, and public policy and administration. It includes noteworthy student-run law reviews, featuring more than a century of top legal scholarship.

Multidisciplinary Databases

EBSCOhost Academic Search Elite

Covering all major academic disciplines, Academic Search Elite is a rich resource spanning a broad stretch of academic subjects with thousands of full-text journals and abstracted and indexed journals.

Streaming Services

Films on Demand (Infobase)

Films On Demand is a streaming video service containing outstanding educational programs. Many programs from the History Channel, Biography Channel, BBC, PBS and other news channels are included in this collection.

National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

This collection includes documentaries, animations, experimental films, fiction and interactive works. It showcases films that take a stand on issues of global importance that matter to Canadians—stories about the environment, human rights, international conflict, the arts and more.

Library Databases vs the Internet

There is nothing wrong with using the internet. You can find very helpful resources on the web but you should know where and when is the right time to use the internet versus a Library database.

LIBRARY DATABASES
  • Free access is provided to all StMU faculty, staff and students through subscriptions.
  • Credible, reliable and evidence-based information which is most often peer-reviewed.
  • Databases use subject headings and filters to organize their content, allowing for precise searching.
  • Save your results to easily cite and organize your research.
THE INTERNET
  • The internet provides access to vast amounts of information, much of which can be misleading and irrelevant.
  • It is not always clear who authored the information you are reading. Hint: Focus on reputable sources like government and non-profit organizations or authorities in your field like professional associations and subject experts whose credentials and institutional affiliations are clearly stated and easily verifiable.
  • Predatory journals can be very tricky to identify and are not reputable. For tips on how to assess whether or not a journal is scholarly and peer reviewed check out our tutorial on evaluating information.
  • Some information is free but not all. If you are asked to pay for an article, don't. Fill out an ILL Request and we will get it for you for FREE.
NEED HELP

Don't hesitate to ask We're happy to assist you in person, by phone, or by MS Teams.

OFFSITE ACCESS

Anytime, anywhere StMU students, staff, and faculty have access to all of the online resources offsite. Simply enter your credentials.

Having problems with offsite access? Make sure you're selecting OpenAthens when given an option. Check out our guide on OpenAthens External Authentication for detailed support.

Journals

The StMU Library provides access to hundreds of scholarly journals to keep you up to date with the latest evidence, research, and discussion in your field. If we don't have access to the article you're looking for, fill out an ILL Request and we'll bring in a copy for free. Below you will find links to core, full-text Education journals as well as information about assessing articles found on the web.

eJOURNALS

Immediate online access
Browse the A-Z listing of all journals available to the StMU community.

NOT A STUDENT?

No problems
Full-text access is available on campus.

STAY CURRENT

Alerts sent to your email
The catalogue is designed with busy researchers in mind. Save searches and receive notifications when new resources become available.

Core Journals

Journal of Science Teacher Education

Journal of Science Teacher Education (JSTE) is the flagship journal of the Association for Science Teacher Education. It serves as a forum for disseminating high quality research and theoretical position papers concerning preservice and in-service education of science teachers. The Journal features pragmatic articles that offer ways to improve classroom teaching and learning, professional development, and teacher recruitment and retention at pre K-16 levels

Journal for Research in Mathematics Education

An official journal of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), JRME is the premier research journal in mathematics education and is devoted to the interests of teachers and researchers at all levels–preschool through college.

Journal of Educational Psychology

The main purpose of the Journal of Educational Psychology® is to publish original, primary psychological research pertaining to education across all ages and educational levels. A secondary purpose of the Journal is the occasional publication of exceptionally important theoretical and review articles that are pertinent to educational psychology. Please note, the Journal does not typically publish reliability and validity studies of specific tests or assessment instruments.

Reading Research Quarterly

Reading Research Quarterly is the leading global journal offering multidisciplinary scholarship on literacy among learners of all ages, including the latest research studies (methods, results, effects, findings, and implications).

Review of Educational Research

The Review of Educational Research (RER) publishes critical, integrative reviews of research literature bearing on education, including conceptualizations, interpretations, and syntheses of literature and scholarly work in a field broadly relevant to education and educational research.

Science Education

Science Education publishes original articles on the latest issues and trends occurring internationally in science curriculum, instruction, learning, policy and preparation of science teachers with the aim to advance our knowledge of science education theory and practice.

Sociology of Education

Sociology of Education (SOE), published quarterly, provides a forum for studies in the sociology of education and human social development. SOE publishes research that examines how social institutions and individuals’ experiences within these institutions affect educational processes and social development. Such research may span various levels of analysis, ranging from the individual to the structure of relations among social and educational institutions.

Using Journals Through the Catalogue vs. Journals Found on the Internet

There is nothing wrong with using journal articles you've found on the internet, there's plenty of high quality information out there. But, there are a few things you should know about Academic, Open Access, and Predatory journals before you start.

SCHOLARLY, ACADEMIC, AND PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS
  • Scholarly, academic, and peer-reviewed journals contain articles written by and for faculty, researchers, and scholars in a particular field.
  • These resources are typically published by academic organizations, utilize specialist or scholarly language, and adhere to strict standards of referencing throughout.
  • Not all scholarly and academic journals are peer-reviewed.
  • To see if a print journal is peer-reviewed, check the 'publication information' at the front of the journal.
  • For electronic journals, information regarding the peer-review process can usually be found on the 'About the Journal' or 'Notes for Authors' page of the journal's website.
  • Peer reviewed articles are identified in the Library catalogue.
  • Streamline your search process by limiting searches to limit results to include only peer-reviewed journals and articles.
JOURNALS & ARTICLES ON THE INTERNET
  • The internet provides access to vast amounts of information, much of which can be misleading, irrelevant, or fails to meet the standards of academic rigour.
  • It is not always clear who authored the information you are reading. Before using articles found on the web. be sure to verify the credentials and institutional affiliation of the author.
  • Focus on Open Access journals published by reputable sources such as academic institutions and professional organizations.
  • Predatory journals can be very tricky to identify and are not reputable. For tips on how to assess whether or not a journal is scholarly and peer reviewed check our tutorial on evaluating information sources
  • Some information is free but not all. If you are asked to pay for an article, don't. Fill out an ILL Request and we will get it for you for FREE.

Books

Libraries are filled with books! Many prefer holding a hard copy book instead of an electronic version. Don't worry, we have both available depending on what you like best.

Books are ideal information sources to consult when looking for a comprehensive overview of your topic. Don't see what you are looking for? Ask us about InterLibrary Loans to find a book from another library.

Books

Physical Collections

If you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for, you may browse the shelves at the following call number locations:

    • L 7-991: Education (General)
    • LA5-2396  History of Education
    • LB5-3640 Theory and practice of education
    • LB5-45 General
    • LB1025-1050.75 Teaching (Principles and practice)
    • LB1049.9-1050.75 Reading (General)
    • LB1050.9-1091 Educational psychology
    • LB1101-1139 Child study
    • LB1139.2-1139.5 Early childhood education
    • LB1140-1140.5 Preschool education. Nursery schools
    • LB1141-1489 Kindergarten
    • LB1501-1547 Primary education
    • LB1555-1602 Elementary or public school education
    • LB2832-2844.1 Teaching personnel
    • LB3050-3060.87 Educational tests, measurements, evaluations and examinations
    • LB3525-3575 Special days
    • LB3602-3640 School life. Student manners and customs
    • LC8-59 Forms of education
    • LC65-67.68 Economic aspects of education
    • LC68-70 Demographic aspects of education
    • LC71-120.4 Education and the state
    • LC129-139 Compulsory education
    • LC142-148.5 Attendance. Dropouts
    • LC149-161 Literacy. Illiteracy
    • LC189-214.53 Educational sociology
    • LC212-212.863 Discrimination in education
    • LC212.9-212.93 Sex differences in education
    • LC213-214.53 Educational equalization
    • LC251-318 Moral education. Character building
    • LC321-951 Religion and education. Education under church control
    • LC980-1099.5 Types of education
    • LC1001-1024 Humanistic education. Liberal education
    • LC1022-1022.25 Computer-assisted education
    • LC1025-1027 Collective education
    • LC1030 Communist education
    • LC1031-1034.5 Competency based education
    • LC1035-1035.8 Basic education. Basic skills education
    • LC1036-1036.8 Community education
    • LC1037-1037.8 Career education
    • LC1041-1048 Vocational education (General)
    • LC1049-1049.8 Cooperative education
    • LC1051-1072 Professional education
    • LC1081-1087.4 Industrial education (General)
    • LC1090-1091 Political education
    • LC1099-1099.5 Multicultural education (General)
    • LC1200-1203 Inclusive education
    • LC1390-5160.3 Education of special classes of persons

Subjects:

Curriculum Development

History of Education

Visual learner

Learning aptitude

Language learning

Teaching strategies

Psychology of learning

Juvenile Fiction

Picture Books

Keywords:

Curriculum planning

Education – history

Teaching methods

Learning, psychology of

Libraries are filled with books! Many prefer holding a hard copy book instead of an electronic version. Don't worry, we have both available depending on what you like best.

Books are ideal information sources to consult when looking for a comprehensive overview of your topic. Don't see what you are looking for? Ask us about InterLibrary Loans to find a book from another library.

eBOOKS

Click and read Immediate access anytime, anywhere.

PRINT BOOKS

Available to all Place a Request in the catalogue for quick pickup or visit the library to browse the stacks. .

OTHER LIBRARIES

You can borrow from them too Search and Request books from our SAIL partners (U of C, AU, and BVC) from within the STMU catalogue.

Web Resources

The internet has a wealth of information. Explore grey literature, Open Education Resources and digital repositories to discover information about your subject from all over the world. Below you will find a curated list of web resources.

Below you will find a curated list of web resources.

Online Resources

Learn Alberta

New LearnAlberta is Alberta’s bilingual platform for teachers, parents, students, and other education partners to access the 2021 draft Kindergarten to Grade 6 (K–6) curriculum and the current core curriculum. New LearnAlberta will allow users to interact with the curriculum in ways that were not previously possible. Education partners are encouraged to participate in the fine tuning of new LearnAlberta by clicking “Contact Us” and providing feedback.

Learn Alberta Resource Search

Find learning resources for Alberta’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum.

Authorized Resources Database

Find optional learning resources for Alberta’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum.

Alberta Early Childhood Education

Find learning resources and educational programming for children prior to entering Grade 1.

Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Framework

​​​​​The Framework provides a commitment to collaborate, through real partnerships with Indigenous peoples, enabling Indigenous-led early learning and child care programming for their children and families. It points a way to a present and future where Indigenous peoples determine the programs and services their children need and where all Indigenous children grow up in an enriching environment that helps them meet their full potential.

Play Participation and Possibilities: An Early Learning and Child Care Curriculum Framework for Alberta

Play, Participation, and Possibilities: An Early Learning and Child Care Framework for Alberta frames curriculum meaning making that highlights the relationships and curriculum decisions shaping responsive practices in early learning and child care communities. It is a guide for early childhood educators to use in their everyday work with young children and their families in Alberta. It builds on early learning and child care frameworks that have been developed in other parts of Canada and around the world, in particular theNew Brunswick Framework for Early Learning and Child Care —English.

Lesson Plans & Classroom Resources

​​​​​​​Read, Write, Think:

This collection of free lesson plans and resources is aimed at K-12 literacy. Search for resources by grade, printouts, calendar activities, and student interactives.

BC Teachers’ Federation:

The BCTF site includes free, downloadable lesson plans, classroom resources, and posters, which you can filter by resource type/topic and grade.

Learning by Inquiry:

This website is dedicated to helping teachers and educators with inquiry-based learning for all subjects.

Walking Together – Indigenous Classroom Activities:

Walking Together: First Nations, Métis and Inuit Perspectives in Curriculum is an online resource intended for educators who want to include indigenous perspectives in their classrooms.
 

Forest Literacy:

This resource helps teachers connect their students to forests through 100 forest concepts organized by the following themes: what is a forest? Why do forests matter? How do we sustain our forests? What is our responsibility to forests?

Teaching Ideas 4U:

This website provides a variety of K-12 classroom resources both free and email-subscriber based.

Picture Book List:

Although it is no longer updated, this website includes a well-organized selection of picture books based on classroom themes and topics.

Edutopia:

This website is aimed at teachers and educators, filled with interesting articles that talk about broad topics in education and grade-specific ideas for lesson and curriculum planning.

The Alberta Teachers Association:

ATA has a number of resources to explore, including ones aimed at beginning teachers, such as classroom management books and resources.

CanTeach: Free Lesson Plans and Resources

CanTeach provides primary education educators with free resources for different subjects, including a collection of Songs & Poems, Recipes, and First Nations perspectives.

ESL Kid Stuff: Free Lesson plans for ESL teachers

ESL Kid Stuff is an excellent resource for teaching English to students, and their lesson plans are free to download. Access to additional resources (flashcards, worksheets, craft templates, and songs) requires a paid membership.

A to Z Teacher Stuff:

A to Z Teacher Stuff is a website developed by teachers for teachers, to provide access to lesson plans, thematic units, and downloadable teaching materials and printouts.

Alberta Teachers Association Curriculum Web Guides:

ATA has compiled a web guide for curriculum subjects grouped by grade and topic, and includes links to activities, YouTube videos, and resources.

GREY LITERATURE

It's not always black and whiteGrey literature falls into a 'grey area' of materials produced outside traditional publishing channels. Learn more about grey literature in the Research Tips tab.

NEVER PAY

Request and you shall receive If you have located an article online that the StMU Library does not have access to through our databases and journals, submit an ILL request and we'll locate a copy at no charge.

Citing & Writing

Many electronic resources, such as the Library catalogue and academic databases, offer citation generation tools to automatically generate citations in your chosen style. Be sure to always verify the accuracy of the citation as sometimes this information is incorrect or improperly formatted. Below you will find a selection of citing and writing resources.

Citation Styles

ACS (American Chemical Society)

APA (American Psychological Association)

APS (American Physical Society)

Print resource on Course Reserve. Please visit the Library information desk. Council of Science Editors Style Guide

Print resource on Course Reserve. Please visit the Library information desk.

Chicago/Turabian

Print resource on Course Reserve. Please visit the Library information desk

IEEE Style Manual (PDF)

This style is commonly used for Electrical and Computer Engineering.

MLA (Modern Language Association)

Print resource on Course Reserve. Please visit the Library information desk.
Writing Resources for Subject Essay do's and don'ts : a practical guide to essay writing Print resource: General Reserves PE1408 .E54 2017

Other Resources

The Purdue Online Writing Lab The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University houses writing resources and instructional material and we provide these as a free service of the Writing Lab at Purdue. Students, members of the community and users worldwide will find information to assist with many writing projects.

STAY CURRENT

Style guides are updated regularly to keep pace with the changing nature of information, but instructors don't always adopt the most current guideline right away.

GET HELP

Check out the academic writing series offered by the Learning Centre and master the citation styles used in your field of study.

Citation Styles

APS (American Physical Society)

Print resource on Course Reserve. Please visit the Library information desk.

Council of Science Editors Style Guide

Print resource on Course Reserve. Please visit the Library information desk.

Chicago/Turabian

Print resource on Course Reserve. Please visit the Library information desk.

IEEE Style Manual (PDF)

This style is commonly used for Electrical and Computer Engineering.

MLA (Modern Language Association)

Print resource on Course Reserve. Please visit the Library information desk.

Writing Resources for Education

Other Resources

The Purdue Online Writing Lab

The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University houses writing resources and instructional material, and we provide these as a free service of the Writing Lab at Purdue. Students, members of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist with many writing projects.

Research Tips

Primary Articles

Original Research Articles

These are articles reporting on original research and include elements such as a hypothesis, background studies, literature reviews, detailed methodologies, results, interpretations of findings, and discussions on possible implications and future research. Original research articles are typically longer, ranging from 3, 000 – 12, 000 words. These articles are peer reviewed and cite relevant publications from other authors that relate to the research being conducted.

Case Studies

These articles report on the in-depth study of a specific person, group, or event. They are used in a variety of fields such as psychology, medicine, education, political science, and social work in order to seek patterns and causes of behaviour.

Secondary Articles

Literature Reviews

A literature review is a systematic summary and synthesis of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers. They frequently convey what knowledge and ideas have been established on a topic, as well as critically assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the field. They will often lack a ‘Methods’ section, though they are often peer reviewed. 

Systematic Reviews

These reviews are often designed to provide an exhaustive summary of current evidence in relation to a specific research question, synthesize findings qualitatively or quantitatively, and critically appraise research studies. Systematic reviews use rigorous and transparent review methodologies with the aim of assessing and minimizing bias in the findings.

Meta-analyses

A meta-analysis is a statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple scientific studies addressing the same question. The primary aim is to use statistical analyses to determine common truths. Meta-analyses can be part of a broader systematic review.

Special Articles

Including letters to the editor, correspondences, short communications, editorials, pictorial essays.

Tertiary/ Gray Literature

Tertiary/ Gray Literature

Broadly speaking, gray literature is information produced outside of the traditional academic publishing and distribution systems such as academic journals and monographs. Gray literature can include reports, policies, working papers, newsletters, speeches, government documents, and more.

As grey literature is produced directly by an individual or organization, for their own either use or wider sharing, it is often more current than academic publications as it is not subject to the delays found in traditional publishing processes.

As grey literature does not go through a rigorous peer review process the quality can vary significantly, and it is recommended that these sources be critically evaluated.

Technical reports

These can include scientific studies conducted by Government agencies and NGO which are often not peer reviewed. These types of reports can be found in both scholarly databases and freely on the web.