Exploration of Knowledge: Crafting a Literature Review

Making a literature review is an activity of reviewing the existing papers about the chosen topic. This activity can broaden the insights and knowledge of the author, especially to deepen the information. Through working on this literature review, the author wants to be more expert in reviewing papers that are used as sources of information. In addition, the authors also want to obtain relevant information to support the selected research objectives.

The selection of the topic of food security by the author is based on the condition of food security which is still lacking, especially in less developed or developed areas around the world. Through this event, the author wants to find educational methods that can be used to improve food security in the area. This education aims to increase public knowledge about the importance of food security for personal and community health. Writing an outline is like making some guide points to keep every section stay  in one line. 

The outline is used to help members know what they want to write. Determining the outline has to be done with all team members to ensure that all members can know and understand what they want to talk about. This can be problematic because it's difficult to keep everyone's minds on the same topic. Learning to keep focus, critical thinking, open mind, listen to others opinion, determine decisions, and keep everyone in a good mood.

Learning to search literature involves recognizing the importance of critical and creative approaches. Critical searching requires carefully evaluating existing literature, selecting reliable sources, and assessing their credibility through databases like Google Scholar and EBSCO Host. 

This method involves examining different perspectives, methodologies, and arguments in scholarly works to gain a deeper understanding of the topic and interact more efficiently with the literature. It helps identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas for further exploration, guiding future research. Creative searching involves using various search strategies and considering different viewpoints. While unconventional sources like blogs or opinion pieces are discouraged, engaging in creative searching promotes innovative and open-minded research through trusted sources.

Group work has its challenges and benefits. Collaborating with peers from different backgrounds and expertise enriches the learning experience. The group's dynamic fosters idea exchange, lively discussions, and valuable feedback, enabling individuals to learn, gain insights, and consider different perspectives. However, coordinating schedules and effective communication can be hurdles to overcome. Through active engagement and mutual respect, the group can establish a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Learning to search literature is a transformative process that improves critical thinking skills and broadens research horizons.

After searching for literature, the next step in writing a systematic review is to read the collected sources. Reading literature thoroughly for insights and information requires patience, teamwork, and accuracy. Patience and accuracy are needed because not all detailed information can be found in the abstract of a research article. Reading the result and discussion part is sometimes needed to discover the article's essence. Reading literature also requires teamwork, as not all members have the same level of accuracy when finding information. An article may need two to three times of readings by different members to validate a research article. 

Group dynamics can also be felt during literature reading. Occasionally, different members have different interpretations of an article, resulting in disagreement. However, communication and teamwork can unite different interpretations. Sometimes, perceptions from others outside the group are also needed so as not to cause misinterpretation. A simple task such as reading literature can teach that different people may also mean different interpretations. This experience may also teach us not to be self-righteous because not all the time we are correct, and not all the time other people are wrong

During the whole process of making this literature review, the group experienced the effect of different points of view and working style. During the early process, the groups have a few major disagreements on making an important decision. This could be seen during the RO and outline preparation step, in which the group members are divided due to differences in assignment interpretation. 

This difference also affects the reading and journal gathering process greatly, in which the progress is greatly halted due to different understanding of what should be gathered and observed in the journals. This is especially felt during the ASG 2 and 3 process, in which the group was lacking in progress. While this surely brought the group members’ spirit down in working on the assignment and its revisions, this does not stop us from doing the assignments as well as we could. 

However, this downside also brought a new advantage for us as a group by improving our capabilities to adapt ourselves into the group of various unique skills, and taught us that there is always something to be learned even if we feel like we understand enough. The journey of creating our literature review has taught us it is alright to make some mistakes, to aim for the best, and to be determined in our work even if the progress does not meet our own expectations.