Qualitative Research Projects in Computing Education Research: An Overview

Qualitative research approaches have much to offer computing education research (CER). Conducting studies which are theoretically anchored in pedagogy, as well as in computing, can help us to draw more solid and significant conclusions about how students learn computing. When studying teaching and learning situations it is important to take into explicit account what is meant by learning. We claim that this implies that research into student learning is strengthened by increased awareness of the role and relevance of qualitative research approaches in CER. With this aim in mind we identify the area of “pedagogically anchored qualitative research” and place it within the broader CER landscape. We also provide an overview of research methods and resulting studies, which we feel exemplify the value this type of study has for the CER community.