Teaching and Learning Focus Group Skills: A Classroom Example Evaluating Map Design

1998 ◽  
pp. 26-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Olson ◽  
Lesha Broomes ◽  
Scott Drzyzga ◽  
Geoffrey Jiunn Der Duh ◽  
Lisa Dygert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
State University ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Focus Group Research ◽  
Map Design ◽  
Regular Class Time

As a group learning experience in a graduate cartography course, a focus group study was performed of a recently-redesigned map of the Michigan State University campus. The learning process involved two parts. Part one was a 75-minute focus group discussion during regular class time with the instructor as the moderator, one student as the assistant and notetaker, and the other members of the class as the subjects. After instructions were given, everyone studied the map for a brief period and then discussed a set of issues focused on the design of the map. Discussion was orderly but lively and packed with relevant comments. Part two occurred at the next class session. Students discussed the experience, the results, the assigned readings on the method, and relevance of the method to other projects. A written report was then prepared for the producers of the map. Reactions to the learning experience were highly positive, and several participants have since used qualitative methods in other research. An actual study proved an effective means of learning the fundamentals of focus group research.

scholarly journals Policy for the effective research university

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prayuth Chusorn ◽  
Cheaztha Bhoprathab ◽  
Pornpimon Chusorn ◽  
Pramook Chusorn ◽  
Yupawarat Kentekrom
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Research University ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Research Institution ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Group Form ◽  
Commercial Applications

Research for development policy for the Effective Research University case study of Khon Kaen University used the principle of policy research divided into three stages: 1) the synthesis document 2) Interviews of experts and 3) focus group discussion. Target groups include administrators, faculty member and university researchers. Research tools were documentary analysis questionnaires and the focus group form.  The analysis and interpreted data were performed by content analysis.Research findings As a leading research university with international quality and standards as importance goal which requires challenge strategies aimed to integrative change as follows,Preparing personnel together, determine the faculty strategies to support personnel and researchers, using a variety of research products, creative works develop into applied research and development research and create system and mechanisms of intellectual property to develop into commercial applications continuously. Establishing research fund to motivate faculty members researchers and graduate students for knowledge technologies to be utilized and satisfy the needs of local and nationally. Knowledge management of the experiences of a senior researcher ,support the teaching and learning process by using the study as a base by integrating research and teaching at both the subjects and courses including the use of research-based knowledge to manage the process of decision making, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and improvement work. Support for research and transfer research to the public focus on professional development and quality of life as well as the base for the development of networking and knowledge sharing. Awards & recognition / reward and honor researchers and research institution with outstanding performance in research and innovation to accelerate the strengthening of research integration, towards selfreliance build competitiveness and social guides.  Keywords: Research University,  challenge strategies 

Exploring Collaborative Learning for Programming Course to Enhance Students' Interest and Achievement

2019 ◽  
pp. 265-283
Author(s):  
Shafinah Farvin Packeer Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Pair Programming ◽  
Collaborative Approach ◽  
The Core ◽  
Programming Students ◽  
Core Subjects

As programming is one of the core subjects for BSc IT students, it is vital for them to have programming skill. However, students are often terrified of programming since it is a challenging subject. Traditionally, the programming teaching and learning process are limited to lectures and lab exercises. This approach is no longer appropriate in today's learning environment and required skills in the 21st century. Collaborative learning is acknowledged as an approach that fits the programming students. Thus, this chapter has adapted the collaborative approach in Programming 1 class. Three techniques were applied namely problem-based learning, buzz groups, and pair programming. At the end of the semester, an online survey to obtain students' opinions and a focus group discussion were conducted. In addition, the examination results of the repeaters were also compared. Results from the survey and focus group indicate that the collaborative approach is able to increase students' interest and the grade of the repeaters in the Programming 1 subject.

scholarly journals The parental experiences of caring for children with childhood cancers in Singapore: a pilot focus group study

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-189
Author(s):  
Beron Wei Zhong Tan ◽  
Alexis Clarke ◽  
Lois Ling’en Teo ◽  
Jasper Weng Kong Tong ◽  
Mei-Yoke Chan
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Childhood Cancers ◽  
Psychosocial Needs ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Parental Experiences ◽  
Convenience Sampling ◽  
Interpersonal Connectedness

Background: Research on the parental experiences of caring for children diagnosed with cancer in Singapore are limited and not well understood. Objectives: We conducted a pilot focus group to understand the experiences of Singaporean parents whose child had survived cancer. Methods: Using convenience sampling, five parents were invited to participate in a focus group discussion regarding the psychosocial needs at the time of cancer diagnosis and into survivorship. The discussion was transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s 6-step approach to thematic analysis. Results: The analysis revealed three major themes of intrapersonal impact, interpersonal connectedness and financial implications. Conclusions: The identified themes indicated some universal and unique caregiving experiences among Singaporean parents and those reported in western and other Asian cultures. In particular, the findings provided an update on the parental experiences of caring for children with cancer in Singapore and highlighted the need for ongoing research and the development of early and holistic psychosocial support services for these parents.

scholarly journals Elementary school teachers’ perception of Dengue and its environmentally friendly prevention: A focus group study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilik Zuhriyah ◽  
Dearikha Karina Mayashinta ◽  
Nia Kurnianingsih ◽  
Holipah Holipah ◽  
Aulia Rahmi Pawestri
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Hemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Inorganic Waste ◽  
Dengue Prevention ◽  
Prevention In Schools

Understanding teachers’ perceptions towards dengue prevention in schools is an important factor for an optimal implementation of dengue prevention and control measures. This qualitative study aimed to explore teachers’ perceptions of dengue and its prevention in an environmentally friendly manner. 31 informants were chosen from 6 elementary schools. Data were obtained by Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and then analyzed by using Systematic Text Condensation and an editing analysis style. The results showed that the teachers confirmed the presence of patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever from students and residents living around the school. Most teachers agree and want to know about ovitrap applications in school, which is environmentally friendly. However, most teachers refuse to manage inorganic waste because of the bad experience. Engaging teachers in dengue prevention in schools has a high potential for success as long as it is efficient in terms of time and effort.

Investigating the Attitudes of Health-Care Professionals towards the Use of Integrated Care Pathways in a District General Hospital: A Thematic Analysis of Focus Group Discussion

2005 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Claridge ◽  
Dianne Parker ◽  
Gary Cook
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Integrated Care Pathways

Context: Integrated care pathways (ICPs) are an increasingly common approach to the standardization and integration of health-care practice in the NHS. They delineate interdisciplinary critical decision points and evidence-based daily treatment regimens for patients in specific disease groups. ICP champions assert that they have the potential to decrease medical errors, increase the accuracy of data capture, increase the efficiency of personnel and ultimately improve the quality of patient care. Despite the theoretical benefits of ICP use, there was anecdotal evidence of staff unease and audit evidence of variable compliance with ICPs at a district general hospital (DGH). Objective: This focus group study was one of the three interdependent methodologies used to investigate the attitudes of health-care professionals towards ICPs in a DGH. It was anticipated that thematic analysis of the focus group discussion would facilitate further the interpretation of qualitative data already analysed in a previous phase of the project, and inform the development of a survey questionnaire investigating the attitudes of the health-care professionals towards ICPs. Design: Ten focus groups comprising on average, six health-care professionals were conducted. The staff involved included doctors, nurses, professions allied to medicine, a member of the Community Health Council and non-clinical managers. The focus groups included staff with a range of seniority and speciality. Results: Analysis of the data achieved facilitated the confirmation and identification of themes underpinning the focus group discussion. These are reported here and illustrated by representative quotations. Conclusion: The focus group study provided a valuable insight into the attitudes regarding ICPs of over 60 health-care professionals. The themes identified were used to facilitate the development of a survey questionnaire to explore them in a quantifiable way. Focus group methodology proved to be a useful way to explore emerging issues in depth, and to observe areas of disagreement among staff.

scholarly journals Analysis of Communication and Information Science Education Inclusivity in a STEM Environment in Zimbabwe

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alois Matorevhu
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Education System ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Teachers College ◽  
High Competence

Communication and Information Science (CIS) can be effectively applied in a STEM environment if ICT is accessible to people including those who are visually impaired (VI). This is premised on that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has invaded every part of society, from home, industry and social life, as the world moves rapidly into digital media.  One way of ensuring the effective inclusion of VI people in communication and Information Science is to have an education system from preschool, secondary through to tertiary which has inclusive ICT education. Apart from engendering CIS, ICT promotes/enhances student-centered learning consistent with STEM objectives. Through Zimbabwe’s education system, the visually impaired (VI) people like anybody else, need to understand and apply ICT as a tool to aid their learning, professional development, and a means of socializing. What is questionable is whether the education system of Zimbabwe from preschool, prepares VI people to be effective users of ICT as STEM objectives suggest.  In order to gain insight, curricula documents for a selected teachers’ college T and Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education curriculum documents were analyzed.  Also, data was generated through interviews and focus group discussion with VI pre-service teachers at teachers’ college T. The interviews and focus group discussions aimed to generate data through VI pre-service teachers’ reflections on their primary and secondary school days, juxtaposed with their current experience during teacher training with respect to inclusivity on use of ICT as a tool for teaching and learning, aiding personal learning and social life interactions. All the 10 VI pre-service teachers involved in the study concurred that if ICT learning and application begins as early as primary level, one is bound to develop high competence and confidence in ICT use. However, a very supportive environment, morally and materially, was seen as crucial in developing high competence and confidence levels of VI persons in using ICT for learning and in social life.

scholarly journals Analysis of Indigenous Communication Channels for Disseminating Agricultural Information: The case of North Gondar Zone

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (07) ◽  
Author(s):  
Birhanu Melesse ◽  
Yenesew Sewnet ◽  
Beyene Derso ◽  
Tigst Petros
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Communication Channels ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Household Heads ◽  
North Gondar Zone

In Ethiopia, information reaches to farmers mainly through indigenous and exogenous communication channels which include social gatherings, training, meetings, and conferences followed by learning through direct observation. Indigenous communication channels provides an effective means for rural communities to access various types of information related to their farming and day-to-day life. However, the practices and prospects of indigenous communication channels need policy-oriented research to analyze and facilitate meaningful interventions in the areas of agricultural information dissemination.  This study was initiated with the objective of identifying existing indigenous Communication Channels used by farm households, assess farmers perception of indigenous Communication Channels utilization to exchange agricultural innovation, analyze the challenges related to exchanging and disseminating of agricultural information with respect to indigenous knowledge and assess indigenous agricultural knowledge preservation practices in the North Gondar Zone. Data were collected from 120 sample household heads, 30 focus group discussants and key informants and both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Household survey, focus group discussion and key informant interview were used to triangulate and strengthen the data collected sample household heads. For the purpose of data analysis, descriptive statistics (frequency & percentage), and inferential statistics (chi-square test T-test) were used. The results of the study showed that 70% of the respondents highly preferred indigenous communication channels than exogenous communication channels. The most regularly preferred and utilized channel was Church (47.5%), followed by public meeting organized by the community (22.5%) where as village meeting  organized by the community (11.7%) and neighbors (6.7%) occupied the third and fourth position in the ranking. It was also indicated that the utilization of indigenous communication channels determined by age and educational status of respondents. In this regard elder and illiterate household heads preferred and utilized indigenous communication channels than exogenous communication channels. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that indigenous communication channels utilization should be incorporated in the plan of Agricultural Extension Agents,  indigenous communication channels should be form as part of agricultural information dissemination package to encourage and facilitate exchanging of information by rural people, Policies, strategies and good practices with respect to indigenous communication channels have to be developed with active participation of primary stakeholders to utilize it effectively.

scholarly journals Meta-profile of educational program for education management: focus group results

2018 ◽  
pp. 25-34
Author(s):  
Iryna Sokolova
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Educational Services ◽  
General Context ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Consultation Process ◽  
Education Management ◽  
Focus Group Research ◽  
Group Research

The paper highlights the methodology for developing the meta profile of the educational program for the specialty 073 Management training managers at the second level of higher education. Focus group research has been identified as one of the methods for obtaining information from stakeholders, as well as literature and documentary review. A competence-based programme profile has several advantages, as was shown in the article. Starting from a conceptual discussion around commonly used terms, the author emphasis on some of theіr definitions. A meta-profile is a representation of the structure and combination of competences which gives identity to subject areas «Management». It was found that degree profiles ought to follow a road map for Masters Degrees in Education Management; the meta-profile presents an understanding the core elements of the educational program and their description. The author explains the procedure of focus group study organization; defines its stages and content of each step. The first step looked at the Tuning project methodology, which was adapted to the specific context (the labor market and the market of educational services in Ukraine) and subject area (Management). The second step related to the general context of the meta-profile; the aim was identified, the students and stakeholders were motivated being involvedin the group discussion. List of competences that each student should acquire during his study period in any program were proposed. Finally, lists of generic and subject-specific competences were compiled after analysing the results of the stakeholder-consultation process. A number of conclusions can be drawn in this paper. The meta profile will provide an investment for future job opportunities, personal development and preparation to act, innovate and transform in managing activity. A meta profile serves as a meeting point for the institution which offers it, the staff who are responsible for the development of the educational program and results to be reached and learners (Master degrees holders in Education Management) who will share the responsibility for seeing that the generic and specific sets of competences are attained. Finally, it was found that focus group research has certain advantages when studying the demand for educational services among potential educators and employers. The further research will be aimed at studying the Education Management program content.

Gender, Rank, and Teaching Hours as Predictors of Research Productivity among Higher Education Faculty

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley D. Dangan
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Research Productivity ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Institutional Research ◽  
State University ◽  
Keywords Education ◽  
The University

Research productivity is the topmost concern of most universities. Based on the survey conducted, only few of the faculty at Palawan State University had published research in the last six years. This study aimed to identify the predictors of research productivity to provide administrators with research-based information that will serve as the basis in the formulation of institutional research policies that will help increase research productivity. The researcher used descriptive research design and involved the 277 faculty and 12 administrative officials of Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines as respondents. Triangulated data gathering techniques which include questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion validated by a panel of experts were used. A parametric test such as multiple regression was used in the statistical analysis of data. This study revealed that gender, rank, and number of teaching hours predicted research productivity. Interviews and focus group discussions disclosed that some of the faculties were self-motivated to do research while others were motivated by points for promotion and load reduction. The university must organize research training and mentoring on the research process; give remuneration; reduce the workload of faculty who conducts research; enhance faculty’s self-motivation to do research and set guidelines for promotion of outstanding researchers. KEYWORDS - Education, predictors of research productivity, HEIs, descriptive design, PhilippinesResearch productivity is the topmost concern of most universities. Based on the survey conducted, only few of the faculty at Palawan State University had published research in the last six years. This study aimed to identify the predictors of research productivity to provide administrators with research-based information that will serve as the basis in the formulation of institutional research policies that will help increase research productivity. The researcher used descriptive research design and involved the 277 faculty and 12 administrative officials of Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines as respondents. Triangulated data gathering techniques which include questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion validated by a panel of experts were used. A parametric test such as multiple regression was used in the statistical analysis of data. This study revealed that gender, rank, and number of teaching hours predicted research productivity. Interviews and focus group discussions disclosed that some of the faculties were self-motivated to do research while others were motivated by points for promotion and load reduction. The university must organize research training and mentoring on the research process; give remuneration; reduce the workload of faculty who conducts research; enhance faculty’s self-motivation to do research and set guidelines for promotion of outstanding researchers. KEYWORDS - Education, predictors of research productivity, HEIs, descriptive design, Philippines

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