Research culture of teacher educators in higher education: a narrative review (2019-2026)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47606/ACVEN/PH0543

Keywords:

research culture, teacher educators, higher education pedagogy, research competencies, digital dimension

Abstract

The evidence on the research culture among teacher educators at higher education institutions remains scattered and is methodologically heterogeneous. This narrative review examined 44 articles published between January 2019 and April 2026, retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Latindex 2.0 using Boolean operators, co-citation analysis with Connected Papers, and supplementary searches in Redalyc. The studies were organized into four analytical dimensions: epistemological, institutional, educational, and digital. The identity of the teacher-trainer-researcher emerges as a multidimensional phenomenon in which personal disposition, structural conditions, training trajectories, and technological mediations operate interdependently. Three trends characterize the period analyzed: the gap between institutional rhetoric and material working conditions; the consolidation of digital environments as the infrastructure for scientific production; and the spread of socio-formative approaches in Latin America. Five gaps were identified, centered on the absence of models that integrate the four dimensions; the underrepresentation of Latin American teacher-training institutions as a distinct subject of study; the marked scarcity of longitudinal research; the lack of validated instruments for this teacher profile; and the nascent exploration of the impact of artificial intelligence. Priority research areas are proposed for 2026–2030.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Alhassan, A., & Ali, H. I. H. (2020). EFL teacher research engagement: Towards a research-pedagogy nexus. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 7(1), Artículo 1840732. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2020.1840732 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2020.1840732

Alvarado-Peña, L. J., de Castro, R. F., Álvarez Diez, R. C., Bueno Fernández, M. M., dos Santos, G. M. T., & Vega Osuna, L. A. (2025). Desenvolvimento de capacidades investigativas em docentes do ensino superior na América Latina: uma mirada da inteligência artificial. SAPIENTIAE, 11(1), 97-115. https://doi.org/10.37293/sapientiae111.07 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37293/sapientiae111.07

Camayo Tovar, J., Córdova Vite, D., Fernández Pérez, Y. D., Vivar-Bravo, J., Lupaca Córdova, M. I., Hernández Saldaña de Mejía, E. R., & Matta Huerta, C. R. (2022). Cultura investigativa y producción científica en docentes de artes escénicas de una universidad de Lima. Horizontes. Revista de Investigación en Ciencias de la Educación, 6(23), 552-563. https://doi.org/10.33996/revistahorizontes.v6i23.357 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33996/revistahorizontes.v6i23.357

Carlín Chávez, E. L., González González, R., Herrera Rivas, K. K., Álvarez Beltrán, R. J., & Carballosa González, A. (2022). La cultura investigativa colaborativa desde la perspectiva de la formación superior tecnológica en el Ecuador. Publicaciones, 52(3), 379-414. https://doi.org/10.30827/publicaciones.v52i3.22278 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30827/publicaciones.v52i3.22278

Carranco Madrid, S. D. P., Haro Yaranga, M. A., Racines Cabrera, M. G., & López Macias, K. L. (2026). Formación en investigación científica y su impacto en la calidad académica. Revisión sistemática. RECIAMUC, 10(1), 84-101. https://doi.org/10.26820/reciamuc/10.(1).oct.2026.84-101 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26820/reciamuc/10.(1).oct.2026.84-101

Cotrina, L. K. C., Ramos Farroñán, E. V., Arbulú Ballesteros, M. A., Guzmán Valle, M. Á., Arbulú Castillo, J. C., Farfán Chilicaus, G. C., Licapa-Redolfo, G. S., Corrales Otazú, C. D., & Apaza Miranda, S. J. (2025). The dimensions of research attitudes among university faculty: A sociodemographic analysis in La Libertad, Peru. Behavioral Sciences, 15(4), Artículo 515. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040515 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040515

Criado Dávila, Y. V. (2020). Factores que favorecen el desarrollo de la cultura investigativa del docente universitario. Educación, 26(1), 37-43. https://doi.org/10.33539/educacion.2020.v26n1.2182 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33539/educacion.2020.v26n1.2182

Cruz Tarrillo, J. J., Pinedo Zumaeta, G. M., & Lescano Chaves, Y. (2021). Actitud hacia la investigación: Un análisis afectivo, cognoscitivo y conductual en estudiantes universitarios. Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnología en Educación y Educación en Tecnología, 29, e2. https://doi.org/10.24215/18509959.29.E2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24215/18509959.29.e2

Cuellar, H. F., Cuenca, P. E. V., & Flores, J. M. V. (2021). Cultura investigativa y elaboración de trabajos de grado de los estudiantes de una universidad pública. Alpha Centauri. 2(4), 02-14. https://doi.org/10.47422/ac.v2i4.57 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47422/ac.v2i4.57

Faribi, M., Derakhshan, A., & Robati, M. (2019). Iranian English Language Teachers' Conceptions Towards Research. Iranian Journal of Educational Sociology, 2(2), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.29252/ijes.2.2.1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.29252/ijes.2.2.1

Farwa, U. E., Li, Q., Ye, J., Khan, M. K., & Zulfiqar, S. (2025). Organizational and psychological factors in teacher educators' professional identity development: An empirical analysis. British Educational Research Journal, 51(2), 869-896. https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.4106 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.4106

Floris, F. D., Widiati, U., Renandya, W. A., & Basthomi, Y. (2024). Engagement with research: A qualitative study of English department teachers' experiences and insights. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 9(1), Artículo 100846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.100846 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.100846

Freitas, A., Matos, J. F., Piedade, J., Teodoro, V. D., & Serradas Duarte, R. (2024). Teaching research methodologies in education: Teachers' pedagogical practices in Portugal. Open Education Studies, 6(1), Artículo 20240002. https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2024-0002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2024-0002

González-Roys, G. A., Martínez Arredondo, L. E., & Verdecía Miranda, L. J. (2023). Gerencia de la investigación y el conocimiento en la educación universitaria. Revista Venezolana de Gerencia, 28(103), 1312-1326. https://doi.org/10.52080/rvgluz.28.103.24 DOI: https://doi.org/10.52080/rvgluz.28.103.24

Grijalva, P. M. (2024). Habilidades investigativas desarrolladas en el posgrado y su influencia en la docencia. Revista Educación Superior y Sociedad (ESS), 36(2), 226-246. https://doi.org/10.54674/ess.v36i2.921 DOI: https://doi.org/10.54674/ess.v36i2.921

Huarca Flores, P. (2025). Competencias informacionales y actitud hacia la investigación científica en estudiantes universitarios [Information skills and attitude toward scientific research in university students]. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 10, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-2402 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-2402

Jenset, I. S., & Hatlevik, I. K. R. (2024). From development work to research publication: A case of Norwegian teacher educators developing research literacy. Teaching Education, 35(4), 387-401. https://doi.org/10.1080/10476210.2023.2298197 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10476210.2023.2298197

Kyaw, M. T. (2021). Factors influencing teacher educators' research engagement in the reform process of teacher education institutions in Myanmar. SAGE Open, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440211061349 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440211061349

Kyaw, M. T. (2022). Policy for promoting teacher educators' research engagement in Myanmar. Teaching and Teacher Education, 113, Artículo 103680. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2022.103680 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2022.103680

Leal-Pabón, J. L., Ramírez-Lindarte, M. D., & Díaz-García, K. M. (2026). Fortalecimiento de la cultura investigativa como base para la formación docente en Norte de Santander. AiBi Revista de Investigación, Administración e Ingeniería, 14(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.15649/2346030X.4471 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15649/2346030X.4471

Li, Y., & Xu, L. (2024). Exploring the influence of teachers' motivation, self-efficacy, and institutional support on their research engagement: A study of Chinese university EFL teachers. System, 121, Artículo 103272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2024.103272 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2024.103272

Li, Y., & Zhang, L. (2022). Influence of mentorship and the working environment on EFL teachers' research productivity. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Artículo 906932. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.906932 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.906932

Li, Y., Zhang, L., & Mohamed, N. (2024). The influence of mentorship and working environments on foreign language teachers' research motivation in China. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03448-w DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03448-w

Liang, J., Meissel, K., & Ell, F. (2024). Understanding the professional identity of university-based teacher educators: A systematic review of the literature. International Journal of Educational Research, 127, Artículo 102406. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102406 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102406

Mamytbayeva, Z. A., Orynbetova, E. A., Kyyakbayeva, U. K., Yeralin, K. Ye., & Yeralina, A. K. (2024). Foundations for shaping the research culture of future teachers-educators in higher education institutions. Bordón. Revista de Pedagogía, 76(1), 99-117. https://doi.org/10.13042/Bordon.2024.97666 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13042/Bordon.2024.97666

Matos, J. F., Freitas, A., Estrela, E., Galego, C., & Piedade, J. (2023). Teaching research methods courses in education: Towards a research-based culture. Social Sciences, 12(6), Artículo 338. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12060338 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12060338

Meregildo-Gómez, R., Mas-Sandoval, R. K., Cruz-Aguilar, R., & Alva, A. Y. (2023). Construcción y análisis estructural de una escala para medir la cultura investigativa en universitarios peruanos. HUMAN REVIEW. 21(2). 477-492 https://doi.org/10.37467/revhuman.v21.5083 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37467/revhuman.v21.5083

Nguyen, V. S., Nguyen, H.-A. T., & Lam, H. T. L. (2025). Research engagement among university EFL lecturers in Vietnam: A positioning theory perspective. Profile: Issues in Teachers' Professional Development, 27(2), 49-64. https://doi.org/10.15446/profile.v27n2.116028 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15446/profile.v27n2.116028

Olvido, M. M. (2020). Configuration of research culture: Investment, process, and norm. Recoletos Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 8(2), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.32871/rmrj2008.02.01 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32871/rmrj2008.02.01

Perines, H., & Hidalgo, N. (2022). What do student-teachers think about the integration of research into teacher education programs? Educational Practice and Theory, 44(1), 95-109. https://doi.org/10.7459/ept/44.1.07 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7459/ept/44.1.07

Risan, M. (2024). Schoolteachers and teacher educators: Making sense of 'research' in the context of research-based teacher education. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, 31(4), 691-706. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2024.2383358 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2024.2383358

Sato, M., & Cárcamo, B. (2024). Be(com)ing an educational researcher in the Global South (and beyond): A focus on the research-practice relationship. Educational Researcher, 53(6), 359-369. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X241231548 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X241231548

Serrano de Moreno, M. S., Castellanos Herrera, S. J., & Andrade, D. J. (2024). Research competences of university teaching staff: Challenges in the construction of the research culture. Revista de Ciencias Sociales, 30(1), 381-397. https://doi.org/10.31876/rcs.v30i1.41662 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31876/rcs.v30i1.41662

Smirnova, V. (2021). Evaluation of research activities of higher education institutions academic staff as part of the system of education quality assurance. Open Educational E-Environment of Modern University, 11, 146-157. https://doi.org/10.28925/2414-0325.2021.1113 DOI: https://doi.org/10.28925/2414-0325.2021.1113

Smith, K., & Flores, M. A. (2019). Teacher educators as teachers and as researchers. European Journal of Teacher Education, 42(4), 429-432. https://doi.org/10.1080/02619768.2019.1648972 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02619768.2019.1648972

Tack, H., Guberman, A., MacPhail, A., & Vanderlinde, R. (2023). Higher education-based teacher educators' researcherly disposition: An international perspective. European Journal of Teacher Education, 48(3), 454-466. https://doi.org/10.1080/02619768.2023.2195974 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02619768.2023.2195974

Tolozano-Benítez, R., Caicedo-Quiroz, R., & Carlin-Chávez, E. (2024). Investigative culture and its relationship with integrated university substantive processes. European Public and Social Innovation Review, 9. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2024-1805 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2024-1805

Turpo-Gebera, O., Martínez-Puma, E., Diaz-Zavala, R., & Rivera-Mansilla, E. (2024). Competencias investigativas docentes en la producción científica estudiantil del área de ingeniería en una universidad peruana. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 9, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2024-1556 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2024-1556

Xu, X., Oancea, A., & Rose, H. (2021). The impacts of incentives for international publications on research cultures in Chinese humanities and social sciences. Minerva, 59, 469-492. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11024-021-09441-w DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11024-021-09441-w

Xu, X., Rose, H., & Oancea, A. (2021). Incentivising international publications: Institutional policymaking in Chinese higher education. Studies in Higher Education, 46(5), 1132-1145. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2019.1672646 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2019.1672646

Zheng, J., & Wu, H. (2021). Translating rhetoric into reality: Using the internationalization of humanities and social sciences in Chinese universities as the case. Higher Education, 84, 611-628. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-021-00791-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-021-00791-8

Published

2026-08-22

How to Cite

Medina-Velasquez, M. . ., Rosado-Lazo , M. S. . ., Zubizarreta Agüero de Heras , L. M. . ., & Ramos-Pacco , W. W. . . (2026). Research culture of teacher educators in higher education: a narrative review (2019-2026). Prohominum, 8(3), 400–412. https://doi.org/10.47606/ACVEN/PH0543