This blog is written by Dr Shengpeng Shi, a DEFI post-graduate researcher and co-author of DEFI latest publication the Cambridge Guide to Educational Design-Based Research (EDBR). In it he outlines what EDBR is and why it is useful in the complex and unpredictable field of educational research.
Our guide to Educational Design- Based Research combines insights from a collection of successful PhD theses at Cambridge with an accessible framework for anyone working to improve educational practices through iterative processes. The Guide is a practical resource for researchers, educators, and practitioners wanting to navigate the intricate landscape of educational design-based research.
What is Educational Design-Based Research?
Educational Design-Based Research (EDBR) is a flexible research methodology specifically tailored to address complex challenges within educational settings. Unlike traditional research approaches that often focus on theory or empirical data in isolation, EDBR integrates the development of educational interventions with rigorous empirical research to both understand and improve educational practices. This focus on theory and practice makes EDBR particularly powerful in the field of education, where the goal is not only to generate knowledge but also to apply that knowledge in ways that lead to tangible improvements in teaching and learning.
What Does the EDBR Guide Offer?
This guide addresses the challenges of implementing EDBR – including:
- A Clear Definition and Overview: Understand what EDBR is and how it differs from other research methodologies, such as Action Research.
- Key Concepts and Terminology: The guide introduces essential EDBR concepts, including the Primary Generator, Exploratory Phase, Design Conjecture, Design Framework, Design Principle, and Iteration.
- A Step-by-Step Process: The guide breaks down the EDBR process into manageable steps.
- Shares examples from diverse educational contexts.
Who Should Use This Guide?
The Guide to EDBR is a useful resource for:
- PhD Students and Academic Researchers
- Teachers and Practitioners: Teachers will benefit from the practical strategies outlined in this guide.
- Policy Makers and Educational Stakeholders: this guide provides procedural insights that can inform decision-making and drive systemic improvements.
To read the full report, click here.
To contact the authors for further insights into implementing EDBR in your educational context please mail ss2619@hughes.cam.ac.uk or defi@hughes.cam.ac.uk
