Constructing New Possibilities for Literature Reviews: Assessing the Binning Method in Scholarly Inquiry

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 11:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable Session 2: Student Learning and Development in College and Beyond

Abstract

This presentation introduces the “bins” method—an accessible, systematic approach for conducting literature reviews using common tools like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and Zotero. Designed by the authors, the method supports graduate students and emerging scholars in organizing and coding scholarly literature with clarity and rigor. It is especially useful for doctoral students from practice-focused backgrounds who may face challenges in initiating research. As a pedagogically sound and increasingly adopted approach, the bins method builds early research capacity and democratizes access to qualitative inquiry. In alignment with AERA Division J’s 2026 call, this presentation highlights the method’s contribution to research training, equity, and student success in postsecondary education.

Authors

• Audrey Amrein-Beardsley, Arizona State University

• Norman P. Gibbs, Mesa Unified School District