THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Literature Review

A literature review is a comprehensive summary of previous research on a topic.

It surveys scholarly articles, books, and other sources relevant to a particular area of

research. The purpose is to provide a context for the research, identify gaps in the

existing literature, and justify the need for a new study.

Introduction to RRL
The introduction to the Review of Related Literature sets the stage for the entire

review. It explains the purpose of the literature review, outlines the scope of the review,

and provides an overview of the structure. This section is crucial as it helps readers

understand the context and significance of the research being reviewed.

Review of Related Studies

This section is divided into two parts: Foreign Studies and Local Studies. It

involves a detailed examination of previous research studies that are relevant to the

current research topic.

a. Foreign Studies

Foreign studies refer to research conducted in other countries. Reviewing these

studies helps to understand how the research topic has been approached globally. It
provides a broader perspective and can highlight different methodologies, findings, and

theoretical approaches that might apply to the local context.

b. Local Studies

Local studies are research conducted within the same country or region as the

current study. These studies are particularly important as they provide context-specific

insights and findings that are directly relevant to the local population and conditions.

They help to identify what has already been explored and what still needs to be

addressed within the local context.

Research Gaps
Identifying research gaps involves pinpointing areas where existing studies are

lacking or where further research is needed. This section is critical as it justifies the

need for the current study. By highlighting these gaps, researchers can demonstrate

the originality and necessity of their research, showing how it will contribute to the

existing body of knowledge.

RRL Conclusion

The conclusion of the RRL summarizes the key findings from the reviewed

literature. It synthesizes the information, reiterates the research gaps, and sets the

stage for the new research. This section is important because it ties together all the

reviewed studies and clearly articulates how the current research will build on or differ

from previous work.

 Each of these components plays a vital role in constructing a thorough and

effective literature review, ensuring that the research is well-grounded in existing

knowledge and positioned within the academic discourse.

How is an RRL formed?

1. Identify the Research Topic

• Clearly define the research question or topic you are investigating. This will

guide your search for relevant literature.

2. Conduct a Preliminary Search

• Use academic databases, libraries, and online resources to find initial sources

related to your topic. Look for books, journal articles, conference papers, and

other scholarly works.

3. Select Relevant Sources

• Evaluate the sources for relevance, credibility, and quality. Choose those that are

most pertinent to your research question.

4. Organize the Literature

• Group the selected sources into categories based on themes, methodologies, or

chronological order. This helps in structuring your review logically.

5. Summarize and Synthesize

 • Summarize the key findings of each source. Synthesize the information by

comparing and contrasting the different studies. Highlight agreements,

contradictions, and gaps in the literature.

6. Identify Research Gaps

• Point out areas where the existing research is lacking or where further

investigation is needed. This will help justify the need for your study.

7. Write the Introduction

• Start with an introduction that outlines the purpose and scope of the RRL.

Explain why the review is important and how it relates to your research question.

8. Review Related Studies

• Divide this section into sub-sections such as Foreign Studies and Local Studies.

Discuss each study in detail, focusing on their findings, methodologies, and

relevance to your research.

9. Discuss Research Gaps

• Clearly articulate the gaps in the existing literature. Explain how your research

will address these gaps and contribute to the field.

10. Conclude the RRL

 • Summarize the main points from the reviewed literature. Reiterate the research

gaps and set the stage for your study. Highlight the significance of your research

in filling these gaps.

11. Cite Your Sources

• Ensure all sources are properly cited in the format required by your academic

institution or publication. This adds credibility and allows readers to locate the

original works.

12. Revise and Edit

• Review your RRL for coherence, clarity, and logical flow. Edit for grammar,

punctuation, and formatting errors. Ensure that the review is comprehensive and

wellorganized.

Below is a sample Review of Related Literature that every Granby student can

use as a pattern in writing their research.

 Review of Related Literature

Introduction to RRL

Educators in the Philippines continually seek effective methods to enhance

language acquisition and cognitive development for second language learners in

inclusive classrooms. These classrooms present unique challenges and opportunities,

especially since English is a second language for many students. This review explores
how Vygotskian activities, rooted in Lev Vygotsky’s Theory of Social Development, can

support these learners. This RRL provides a comprehensive overview of existing

studies, identifies research gaps, and justifies the need for the current study.

Review of Related Studies

Foreign Studies

Several international studies have examined the effectiveness of Vygotskian

activities in language learning contexts. For instance, Smith (2018) found that

scaffolding techniques significantly improved English language proficiency among

Chinese students (Simply

Psychology). Similarly, Johnson (2020) demonstrated that the zone of proximal

development (ZPD) facilitated better cognitive engagement and language retention in

Spanish learners in the United States (Wiley Online Library). These studies highlight

the potential of Vygotskian methods in enhancing language acquisition and cognitive

development.

Local Studies

In the Philippine context, research on Vygotskian activities is relatively limited.

However, a study by Reyes (2019) indicated that collaborative learning, a key

component of

Vygotsky’s theory, improved English language skills among Filipino high school

students (Springer). Another study by Santos (2021) explored the use of peer tutoring

in inclusive classrooms, finding positive outcomes in both language acquisition and

social interaction among learners. These local studies provide initial evidence of the

benefits of Vygotskian activities but also underscore the need for more comprehensive

research.

Research Gaps

Despite the recognized benefits of Vygotskian activities, there is a lack of

effective strategies specifically tailored for second language learners in the Philippines.

Most existing studies focus on general educational settings without addressing the

unique needs of second language learners. Additionally, there is limited research on the

long-term impact of these activities on cognitive development. This gap in practice

necessitates further investigation into innovative methods that can bridge this divide.

RRL Conclusion
In conclusion, the reviewed literature underscores the potential of Vygotskian

activities in enhancing language acquisition and cognitive development. However,

significant gaps remain, particularly in the context of Filipino second language learners.

This study aims to address these gaps by exploring the application of Vygotskian

activities in inclusive classrooms in the Philippines. By doing so, it seeks to contribute

to the development of effective pedagogical strategies that support language learning

and cognitive growth.