Brent Mawson's doctoral research was on the progression of technological literacy in the first three years of school. Other recent research projects have included the progression of technological literacy in years four to six, curriculum understandings of early childhood and new entrant teachers, transition to school, and the practice of professional designers in pre-service education settings. He is currently researching the nature of collaborative learning in early childhood settings.

Brent has had articles publish in Research in Science Education, the International Journal of Technology and Design Education, Early Education, and N.Z. research in Early Childhood Education. He has recently presented papers at AARE 2003,2004, Technology Research Education Conference 2002,2004, & 2006, Austrialian Research in Early Childhood Education 2004 and Technology Education New Zealand 2003 & 2005.