Design Based Research

Course Description

Design-based research methods are a form of educational inquiry that has emerged over the past twenty plus years. Design-based research involves the orchestration and study of complex educational interventions in naturalistic settings. In contrast to methods that are strictly observational, design-based research seek to shape and even engineer learning environments and experiences “in the wild.” Design experimentation might focus on such endeavors as: the creation of a new instructional sequence, the development of a new professional development approach, the development of a new exhibit or the design of a new learning technology. This form of inquiry necessarily involves foundational features of design practice as well as quantitative and qualitative research as appropriate. This course has two main purposes. First, it introduces students to different design-based research methods in educational research. Second, it provides students with an experience in designing and planning their own design-based research studies. Through a combination of readings, lectures, discussions, and class exercises, students will be introduced to the issues and practices associated with design based research and how different researchers engage in this kind of work. By learning about the work of different researchers, students will also be introduced to distinct forms of design-based research in education. This course is not a substitute for coursework on quantitative or qualitative methods. This course is actually intended to complement such courses. I will provide an overview of the modes of inquiry that can be used in the study of education in which design-based methods play a prominent role. This will often involve employing qualitative or quantitative methods as central components to the research.

Code

LAI 675

Credits

3

Subject

Learning and Instruction