Skip to Main Content

Regional Training Center at TCNJ: Articles/Research Databases

Keyword vs. Descriptor Searching

While you can also search ERIC using keywords of your choosing, you will get more precise search results if you use Thesaurus terms. That's because searching by keywords requires matching the exact words found in a record, while searching by Descriptors allows you to locate records indexed by subject, regardless of the terminology the author may have used. The ERIC Thesaurus will allow you to conduct systemic searches and save time by reducing guesswork and trial-and-error methods.

Source

ERIC Descriptors (Official Subject Terms)

Action Research

English (Second Language)

English Language Learners

Literacy Education

Elementary Education

Primary Education

Secondary Education

State Standards

School Choice

Charter Schools

Track System (Education)

Ability Grouping

Educational Indicators

International Education

Educational Change

Educational Improvement

Educational Policy

Teacher Effectiveness

Teacher Evaluation

Research Databases for Education

Current Topics in Education