Mapping the Maze: Strategies for Effective Literature Reviews in TESOL

Abstract

This reflective piece offers practical guidance for English language teachers engaging in literature reviews within TESOL research. Based on the author’s experience as an Australian academic working closely with Vietnamese institutions, it outlines strategies for navigating the oftenoverwhelming volume of scholarly work. Central to the approach is building a clear conceptual framework, using research journals, and mapping ideas to identify key themes, gaps, and connections. The article also emphasises the importance of critical reading - questioning assumptions, methods, and socio-political contexts - particularly in a field shaped by colonial legacies and global inequalities. Collaborative reflection and peer dialogue are presented as essential tools for clarifying research focus and sustaining scholarly motivation. Rather than viewing literature reviews as a purely academic task, the author positions them as processes of
personal and professional growth. This piece aims to empower Vietnamese educators to approach literature with confidence and contribute meaningfully to the TESOL research community.