Theoretical and Methodological Approaches for Investigating Open Educational Practices

Abstract

To date, the phenomenon associated with open education in relation to teaching and learning practices remains under-theorized in the literature, which represents both a challenge and opportunity for further research (Bulfin et al., 2013; Howard & Maton, 2011; Knox, 2013; Veletsianos, 2015). There exists an opportunity to develop new theory, as well as to connect the phenomenon to existing theory from education, learning sciences, and pedagogical research. Much of the literature has focused on case studies, strategies for implementation, and broad approaches to institutional change which do not draw upon or develop theory. A significant amount of the empirical work reviewed makes no mention of a theoretical base aside from that of openness as a conceptual framework for considering education. Further, critical studies which examine the pedagogical and educational implications of the use of open educational resources (OER) and engagement in open educational practices (OEP) are even less common (Knox, 2013). In this paper, we share the results of a literature review which investigates both methodological and theoretical approaches used in the available research on open educational practices, with the goal of engaging participants in a critical review of the theoretical and methodological approaches to further advance research in this emerging space.