Subject Pedagogy Research Methodologies: Analysis of Academic Journal Articles Published by Affiliates of Japan Consortium of Subject Pedagogy Associations

This study aimed to clarify issues in subject pedagogy research by examining changes in research methods over time, with a focus on articles published in academic association journals. To identify the research methods used, we extracted data from articles published by academic associations within the Consortium for Subject Pedagogy. Using a common subject framework to classify research methods, we examined the methodologies through data analysis and a literature review. The results showed that (1) research methods varied by subject, and classifications that were valid in one subject society were not optimal for others; (2) theoretical-philosophical research has been common in mathematics but less so in social studies, geography, and home economics; (3) practical-development and empirical-experiential research have been common across subjects; (4) critical inquiry is an important step beyond traditional approaches; (5) individualistic and traditional-technical approaches are important in subject pedagogy, and recognition of their significance remains a future challenge.