There is a simplicity to focus groups that I am drawn to, a sense that we can narrow our search for meaning and answering challenging questions, into a small encapsulated vignette of understanding. I love the tv show Lost, but one of the greatest drawbacks and yet paradoxically, the very element that keeps you watching is once it answers one question, dozens more erupt. You want answers gosh darn it! And you will keep watching the show to get at least one more, just one more. Sometimes life can feel altogether too complicated with all the questions and answers, searching and finding, until you wish you could just sit on the side of some mountain somewhere and peer off into the horizon without concern of where it leads or who you might meet. So that is it, the simplicity of looking for a segment, just a small piece of this gigantic world, and being able to focus on it. Perhaps this is a reflection of how crazy my life is right now, fragmented into a thousand different directions, and my wanting to just enjoy the piece--the moment of life I reside in--for what it is. So, there you have it, my romanticized view of focus groups as being small and enchanting, answering a narrow question, and letting us wander off into the meadow of miniture pieces of understanding.
The avenues I might pursue to use focus groups for would definitely be my students and the issues I see them face. I am always reflecting on teaching practices and whether a certain aspect of what I do is actually effective. In some ways, I informally conduct focus groups on a constant basis as I approach students about what is working or not working for them. If a particular element seems of unusual confusion or frustration, I may actually hold a discussion with a group of them or several groups. Of course, I sometimes choose a less direct route because of the power dynamic I have as an instructor. I know all information I gain directly is affected by the fact I give grades and students hold that authority in special consideration when speaking.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Bonnie - I know that humor is a big topic for you, particularly it's place in the classroom. Have you thought about doing a larger study with your survey instrument and doing some focus groups on humor use in the classroom? I think this would be fascinating.
ReplyDeleteRachel
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteJen and I have discussed briefly using mixed methods for my topic. I would like to see how feasible a focus group would be within the context of my teaching. Let's chat about it in class. I'd like to hear what your ideas are :)
You know, Bonnie, a focus group might be good for your study, too. I wonder what some representative students might tell you about online humor. Could they give you things besides emoticons and satire that we haven't even thought to put on the survey? This gets back to your wonderful reflection on focus groups - they allow us to really focus in on our research WITH THE HELP OF THOSE BEING STUDIED.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm not screaming in this comment, just can't get it to underline or italicize so all caps it is :)