A comparative analysis of research methodology curricula in two national contexts through a constructivist perspective

Abstract

Research Methodology education in higher education presents persistent andragogical challenges, including conceptual complexity, limited student engagement, inconsistent curriculum structures and weak connections to authentic inquiry. This study compares Research Methods curricula in Australia and South Africa to examine how curricula can be designed through constructivist learning theory. Using a constructivist quadethnographic approach, four educators from two institutions engaged in collaborative autoethnographic dialogue over five months, critically reflecting on curriculum structures, teaching experiences and student learning behaviours. The analysis identified shared challenges across both contexts, including learning outcomes oriented towards lower-order cognitive skills, theoretical content-dominated teaching, limited scaffolded and collaborative inquiry, uneven temporal structures, superficial treatment of ethics and weak connections between research skills and professional practice. These limitations resulted primarily in formal or technical alignment rather than meaningful constructive alignment. The study proposes the Constructivist Engagement Framework for Research Methods Education, comprising Curriculum Intent, Learning Design, Andragogical Practice and Learning Culture. The framework provides a conceptual and practical guide for curriculum development and highlights implications for curriculum reform, professional learning and institutional support. Further empirical research is recommended to evaluate and refine the framework across disciplines and programmes.