In Search of Pedagogies for Teaching Qualitative Research Online: A Vygotskian Approach

Abstract

Little has been said on how to teach qualitative research in general and more recently on how to do so in online courses. Drawing on the cultural-historical theory of Lev Vygotsky and his followers, we engage with theoretical tenets that inform a design of an online qualitative research course in a private liberal arts university in the United States with large enrollments of doctoral students in leadership studies. Though examination of constructivist approaches to online education that are integrated within our classroom practices, we highlight unique challenges of teaching qualitative research online and offer insights to inform instructors of similar courses with intent to continue an important conversation about complexities of teaching qualitative research.