Design-Based Research – Grounding, Understanding and Empirical Illustration in the Context of Vocational Education

Abstract

Design-based research is an approach to develop new theories and educational practices in a context-sensitive manner. The aim of this chapter is to introduce design-based research using the example of a concrete design research project. The combination of theory building and practical design is central to this approach. The research process is carried out in iterative design cycles consisting of design, implementation and evaluation. The orientation to the respective context, theory-based procedure, collaboration of practitioners and researchers, and, related to this, interconnection of theory and practice are characteristic of design research. Building on the theoretical and methodical basics of design research, the chapter shows a possible implementation of this approach based on a project in vocational education. The research interest of this project relates to the design of vocational education lessons with tablets to prepare vocational students for the requirements in digitized working processes. Building on the theoretical framework of the project, it illustrates how design, implementation and evaluation were implemented in cooperation with teachers – the educational practice – at the vocational schools (e.g. digital consultation hours, workshops). Results of the project are presented in terms of didactical design principles. At the end of the chapter, three reflected recommendations for design research projects – documentation and structuring of time, relevance of a design research portfolio and dealing with data formats – will be carved out.