This guide was created to help you prepare for your "Writing for the Ear" project for ENWR 1510 and as a general guide to resources related to higher education and student life during the pandemic.
In preparation for your research for this project, you've brainstormed possible topics as a class and hopefully settled on at least one area of interest to begin your research.
Once you have a topic in mind, you will also want to spend some time thinking about how you will conduct your research.
Need help? Ask a librarian.
These sites provide news and analysis on the state of higher education in the United States today:
Inside Higher Ed - Search for news about all areas of higher education since the pandemic began (and before). The Student Voice tab will provide you with students' perspectives, but all articles focus on topics relevant to those working in (or attending) higher educational institutions. A few examples of possible pieces of interest:
The Chronicle of Higher Education - Subscription site of higher education journalism, so use the link to the left or the Reload @ UVA button (see tab on left for more information) to access content on the site as a UVA student. Search for stories related to the pandemic and your topic of interest or browse through news published in the print (and/or online) Chronicle from the past year+. Example pieces of interest:
The Hechinger Report - Higher Education - In-depth journalism on innovation in inequality in education. Example articles of interest:
Pew Research Center - This "fact tank" looks at issues and trends affecting the U.S. public. Not higher education-specific, but good for research on general attitudes and trends related to the pandemic. Example reports of interest:
Brookings Institute - Brown Center Chalkboard - The Brookings Institute is a public policy organization that conducts research for solving societal problems. The Brown Center Chalkboard is a blog on the site that focuses on American education. Example posts of interest:
When searching these databases, consider using an Advanced Boolean/Phrase search (Boolean searching is when you use AND or OR with your search terms) where you break your search down into several facets. Here's an example of what a search for information on internet access among college students during the pandemic might look like in Academic Search Complete:
Multidisciplinary (good for searching a wide range of topics)
Education
Psychology
Sports
See an A-Z list of all databases
Virgo, the UVA Library’s primary search tool, contains catalog records for books, print journals, DVDs, maps, and digitized materials, as well as links to online articles from our rich array of subscription journals. You can search catalog materials and articles together by choosing Everything, or view results separately, using the facets provided to limit your results by author, format, publication period, and more. To find online content, use the Filter Results option and choose EBook or Online.
Example subject terms of possible interest:
Although not many books have been published (yet) on the effects of the pandemic, we do have some reports in print and online that could be relevant, which I'll highlight below. You might also use a book chapter or essay to provide context on an issue that faces college students or a general facet of college life before the pandemic, and then discuss effects during/after pandemic.
The Post- Pandemic College - A report from The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Available in print: Clemons Library LB2324.P66 2020 (Use Request Item button in Virgo to place a hold request)
"In this Chronicle report, leading experts examine how the pandemic will shape higher education in the years to come and what the college of the future may look like. The most responsive colleges — those best prepared to adapt to the teaching approaches of the future — will invest heavily in supporting inclusive and equitable online-learning experiences. To flourish post-Covid-19, colleges must develop a more externally-focused business model, direct resources to expand professional development in online teaching, and continue to expand mental-health services."
College in the Time of Coronavirus: Challenges Facing American Education
Available online - use link in Virgo to read through HeinOnline, or find online at https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/college-in-the-time-of-coronavirus-challenges-facing-american-higher-education/
A report from the American Enterprise Institute after spring 2020 discussing obstacles and forecasting changes to higher education as a result of the pandemic.