A Snapshot Methodological Review of Journal Articles in Engineering Education Research

Abstract

Explicit discussion of methodology is important to better understand how knowledge claims are made in a field. In light of a methodological taxonomy, this exploratory review paper examined the research topics and methodologies that were used in a sample of 142 articles published in 2018 by four major engineering education journals. The analysis reveals that engineering education research exhibits varied profiles in different engineering education journals. It also identifies several patterns and trends in the current state of engineering education research. The findings will not only provide novice engineering education researchers with a snapshot, yet an illustrating view, of the emerging field of EER but also offer a starting point to examine critical questions in the field of EER, such as quality and rigor.