A Journey of Method and Mindset: Embracing Qualitative Research in Education

Abstract

This editorial introduces the Special Issue “Qualitative Journeys: Reflecting on Educational Research and New Horizons,” which brings together seven original articles that showcase the richness and relevance of qualitative inquiry in educational research, particularly in the Vietnamese context. The paper traces the historical development and global expansion of qualitative research, advocating for its reimagining as not just a methodological approach but a mindset - one that embraces complexity, context, and the lived experiences of educational actors. Despite its marginalization in policy and research environments dominated by quantitative paradigms, qualitative inquiry is receiving growing attention from Vietnamese researchers. The seven contributions are organized into three thematic strands: (1) theoretical advancement in qualitative methodology, including explorations of autoethnography and design-based research; (2) reflective accounts of conducting qualitative research, such as narrative inquiry and personal research journeys; and (3) contextual applications and emerging practices, ranging from digital storytelling and naturalistic inquiry to teaching qualitative methods in quantitatively oriented doctoral programmes. Collectively, these papers offer methodological insights, practical guidance, and critical reflections that aim to support a broader, more diverse engagement with qualitative research in education.