The author of this article provides a framework for using readings outside of the textbook to increase engagement with topics in labor economics, to aid in the development of research skills, and prepare students to create a scholarly research proposal. The outside readings used in this course are academic journal articles. The students are assigned five articles to read, summarize, and discuss over the semester. Following a scaffolding approach, the repeated activity and feedback from the structured reflections and presentations will provide students a basis to generate a question they are interested in researching.