Why might I need this database?
Web of Science is a very large database of journal articles that covers many disciplines—social sciences, psychology, healthcare, and engineering. But it also contains a large collection of educational research that incorporates the broader themes of the database.
What subjects does it include?
Education & Educational Research, Education, Scientific Disciplines, Education, Special, Language & Linguistics, Social Issues, and Music.
How do I access Web of Science?
You can access it from the Databases list on the Library homepage. Just search under 'W', and you will find it. Alternatively, you can follow the highlighted link here.
How does it relate to Library Search?
Web of Science does provide its content to Library Search. This means that if you search Library Search, then you should 'theoretically' be searching Web of Science. But, I would advise searching Web of Science separately, too, as you will have greater control of the search functionality. The key message, though, is make sure you're thinking about Web of Science when doing research.
The following video introduces you to the basics of constructing a search using AND, OR, and ()
You may find these search strings useful to copy and paste into Web of Science when combined with other concepts. If you have any questions about how to use them, or suggestions for their improvement, then do please get in touch.
NOTE: remember to use the TOPIC field when using proximity searching
Searching for Age Groups
Foundation Years
(“early years” OR reception OR nurser* OR EYFS)
(age NEAR/1 (3 OR 4 OR 5))
Example of use: (“early years” OR reception OR nurser* OR EYFS) AND science AND teach*
Primary School
(KS1 OR “key stage 1” OR “year 1” OR “year 2” OR “primary school”)
(age NEAR/1 (5 OR 6 OR 7))
(KS2 OR “key stage 2” OR “year 3” OR “year 4” OR “year 5” OR “year 6” OR “primary school”)
(age NEAR/1 (7 OR 8 OR 9 OR 10 OR 11))
Example of use: (KS2 OR “key stage 2” OR “year 3” OR “year 4” OR “year 5” OR “year 6” OR “primary school”) AND science AND teach*
Secondary School
(KS3 OR “key stage 3” OR “year 7” OR “year 8” OR “year 9” OR “secondary school”)
(age NEAR/1 (12 OR 13 OR 14))
(KS4 OR “key stage 4” OR “year 10” OR “year 11” OR “secondary school”)
(age NEAR/1 (14 OR 15 OR 16))
(KS5 OR “key stage 5” OR “year 12” OR “year 13” OR “secondary school”)
(age NEAR/1 (17 OR 18))
Example of use: (age NEAR/1 (14 OR 15 OR 16)) AND (english OR math*) AND teach*
