Critical Theoretical Frameworks in Engineering Education: An Anti-Deficit and Liberative Approach

Abstract

The field of engineering education has adapted different theoretical frameworks from a wide range of disciplines to explore issues of education, diversity, and inclusion among others. The number of theoretical frameworks that explore these issues using a critical perspective has been increasing in the past few years. In this review of the literature, we present an analysis that draws from Freire’s principles of critical andragogy and pedagogy. Using a set of inclusion criteria, we selected 33 research articles that used critical theoretical frameworks as part of our systematic review of the literature. We argue that critical theoretical frameworks are necessary to develop anti-deficit approaches to engineering education research. We show how engineering education research could frame questions and guide research designs using critical theoretical frameworks for the purpose of liberation.

Calling for a Paradigm Shift in the Study of Gender in Engineering Education

“…Research that replicates and amplifies only information on discrimination regarding the TGNC community runs the risk of reinforcing a harmful narrative. Deficit-based framings have been recognized as harmful in the engineering education literature (e.g., Long & Mejia, 2016;Mejia, Revelo, et al, 2018;Vanasupa, 2020). Examples include surveys or narratives solely focused on discrimination or marginalization.…”

Disentangling engineering education research'santi‐Blackness

“…Harper provided "an example of how to explore and better understand the enablers of [racial/ethnic] minority student achievement in STEM" (p. 64). Principally important is shifting the viewpoint that shapes the research we do to improve its legitimacy, veracity, and effectiveness in progressing the field toward liberation (Mejia, Revelo, Villanueva, & Mejia, 2018).…”

A Comparative Analysis of Worldwide Trends in the Use of Information and Communications Technology in Engineering Education

“…Educational research in engineering is a diverse field. Many researchers explore and create theoretical contributions in engineering cognitive psychology, engineering learning models, and engineering classroom techniques [9]- [14]. Another set of researchers actively pursues the development of information and communications technology to support and enhance the deliverability of engineering content to both traditional students attending residential universities as well as remote learners at distant locations [15]- [20].…”