A systematic literature review of participatory design studies involving teachers

Abstract

Participatory design is a well-known approach that involves stakeholders in designing technologies and other innovations. In education, participatory design is especially advocated for involving students with special needs. However, less attention has been paid to how participatory design can help in collaborations with teachers. This paper presents a systematic literature review of participatory design studies conducted between 2007 and 2017 that involved teachers. A comprehensive compilation of studies was collected from fourteen search engines and databases. Participatory design studies that involved teachers were analysed, organised and synthesised to produce an overview of the studies. The studies were organised into three thematic categories by research topics: (1) environments, (2) practices, and (3) technologies. Studies focusing on environments included for example teacher involvement in designing physical buildings and technologies that were integrated into the environment. Studies focusing on practices considered professional communities, instructional planning, and professional development programmes. Studies focusing on technologies included for example teacher involvement in designing assessment and monitoring tools, educational games, learning and teaching applications, security and safety technologies, and technology for special needs. This systematic literature review provides a solid starting point for future participatory design research involving teachers.