Qualitative Research and Mixed Methods in Science Education: Dr. Keren Dalyot from the Weizmann Institute Visits IPN

The IPN is pleased to welcome Israeli education researcher Dr Keren Dalyot from the Weizmann Institute of Science, as part of the KielSCN Fellowship Program. Dalyot’s work focuses on qualitative research approaches and mixed-methods designs in the field of science education research.

Workshop Announcement

On July 30, 2025, she will lead a workshop at the IPN titled “Practical Approaches to Qualitative Research and Mixed Methods for Science Education Research.” The workshop is geared toward doctoral researchers and provides an hands-on introduction to combining qualitative and quantitative research strategies, from developing research questions to analyzing and presenting data.

Quick Questions With Keren Dalyot

In conversation with the IPN, Keren Dalyot shared some insights into her research experiences at the Weizmann Institute, the relevance of mixed-methods approaches in science education, and her goals for her research stay in Kiel.

IPN: What led you to focus on qualitative research and mixed-methods designs in science education? Were there particular experiences that influenced your direction?

Keren Dalyot: My journey into science education has been anything but linear, winding through at least two countries and several academic disciplines. My introduction to qualitative research began with my PhD supervisor at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Not only did she teach the qualitative methods course, but she also authored an excellent textbook on the subject. Specifically, she gave me the opportunity to participate in a qualitative study, interviewing female students from various universities in the area. Since then, I've integrated qualitative methods into both science education and science communication, and it's this approach that guides my understanding of mixed methods.

IPN: What unique potential do qualitative and mixed-methods approaches offer for research in science education? What kinds of research projects are particularly suited to mixed methods? Could you share examples from your own work where these approaches proved especially valuable?

Keren Dalyot: A wide variety of research projects can benefit from both qualitative and mixed methods; it really depends on your research question. For instance, in my recent project at the Weizmann Institute, I wanted to understand school principals' perspectives on how to best support teachers integrating our curriculum, so I interviewed the principals of our schools. In a different project, I sought to gather teachers' needs regarding a European platform on food literacy, aiming for feedback from as many teachers across as many countries as possible. For this, mixed-methods surveys were far more appropriate than attempting to interview everyone

IPN: Which methodological aspects will you highlight in your workshop? Will participants be working with specific tools or techniques?

Keren Dalyot: In my workshop, I focus on aspects that, based on my experience teaching qualitative methods to science education researchers, are most relevant. I provide a general overview of both the practicalities of data collection—such as interviews and surveys—and approaches to data analysis, including thematic analysis. I also aim to tailor the workshop to participants' needs by sending out a short survey in advance.

IPN: How long do you plan to stay at IPN, and what are your main goals for your research stay here?

Keren Dalyot: I will be staying at IPN until the end of August. During this time, I will join the IPN team traveling to the ESERA conference in Copenhagen. I am working with Dr. Melanie Keller and Dr. Yael Barel Ben David on a comprehensive science communication research mapping project. We are reviewing published research from the last decade to examine trends and changes in the methods and topics used in science communication research.

About Keren Dalyot

Dr. Keren Dalyot is a researcher, educator, and content developer specializing in translating scientific knowledge into accessible educational content. With extensive experience in international research and educational projects, she develops innovative professional learning opportunities for teachers, focusing on sustainability, food and science literacy to foster engagement and curiosity in science. She has led and contributed to multidisciplinary and multinational initiatives that bridge the gap between science, education, and public engagement, ensuring that scientific insights inspire both educators and learners globally.

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