Navigators on the Research Path

Abstract

Qualitative research methods courses are required in most doctoral and some Master's degree graduate programs. However, although many graduate students enter their programs with some knowledge of quantitative methodology, many have little to no understanding of qualitative research methodologies. There are many challenges associated with teaching qualitative research, and although most learners in qualitative research classes are adult learners, university faculty members may not know or understand adult learning theories and teaching strategies to frame their approaches to teaching qualitative research methods. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the challenges faced by faculty members who plan and teach qualitative research courses using the literature to highlight current qualitative research pedagogy while discussing new strategies and models that may assist graduate students' development as qualitative researchers. An earlier version of this chapter can be found in V. Wang's (Ed.) Handbook of Research on Scholarly Publishing and Research Methods (2015).