The development of qualitative research: efforts and experiences from continental Europe

Qualitative methodology has become widespread and accepted in educational research in Europe. The article reviews European efforts toward the methodological grounding of qualitative research approaches (with a focus on the Dutch and German speaking communities). The authors describe the research agenda favoring the use of qualitative methods: reconstruct‐ivist studies, focused on the reconstruction of subjective meaning and development; and interventionist studies, aimed at changing and improving educational situations.