DISCIPLINE-BASED EDUCATION RESEARCH (DBER) – WHAT IS IT, AND WHY SHOULD ENGINEERING EDUCATION RESEARCH SCHOLARS BE TALKING ABOUT IT MORE?

Abstract

Engineering Education Research (EER) is a growing field in Canada. However the interdisciplinary nature of our field means we frequently face challenges, often in the form of deficits: funding, support from colleagues, sufficient interdisciplinary expertise, and recruitment of and support for post-graduate students. In order to continue growing the EER field, we need to provide academic scholars and students with the necessary interdisciplinary support systems. This paper provides an overview of the field of Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) and makes recommendations on how EER scholars can more intentionally engage. Specifically, through knowledge sharing, communities of practices, and collaborative infrastructures and systems.