Narrow your research topic. Frame it as a question, and then pick out the key words in the question. For example, if your research question is, "What are the latest developments in strategies for teaching listening comprehension in adults learning English as a second language?" use words such as "strategies," "teaching listening comprehension," "adults" and "ESL."
Enter your keywords into your school library's electronic database. Your library contains books in print and online, as well as academic journals about ESL studies and research.
Type your keywords into the Internet. Type "site:.edu" or "site:.org" after your keywords to bring up educational or nonprofit sites. Some websites provide a comprehensive list of ESL journals with links.
Check your local library. If you live in a city with a large multicultural or immigrant population, your library might contain a section of ESL resources, especially if it offers language tutoring or conversational programs.
Conduct your own study on ESL students. If you have a class available to you or know someone who teaches ESL, survey the students' language-learning habits and practices. Test out experimental teaching strategies, such as group work versus individual study, or listening through headphones or to the teacher.