Interviews can yield very useful information and can help paint a vivid picture from the learner's point of view. They can be structured, semi-structured, or informal and be used to investigate experiences, opinions, or attitudes.
It is good practice to record and transcribe your research interviews.
Focus groups generate a collective view of a topic, where members interact with one another.
Focus groups can be used to measure the interactions and communication dynamics within a group (Cohen, Manion, and Morrison, 2018).
A pre-test and posttest can be setup to measure learning gains.
Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (2018) Focus groups. In: Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (eds), Research Methods in Education. 8th edition. Abingdon, Routledge, pp. 532-533.
Savin-Baden, M. & Howell Major, C. (2013), Focus group interviews. In: Qualitative Research: The Essential Guide to Theory and Practice. Abingdon, Routledge, pp. 374-390. BMJ 1995
You can use questionnaires to collect either qualitative or quantitative data. Careful consideration must be given to the question type and its ability to provide intended answers. Consider the following when designing:
Population or sample. This can highly influence the form, wording, and how the survey is administered.
Method of data analysis. You want to make sure the questions are framed appropriately. For example, a close-ended question might be easier to code, but will it lead to the data that answers your question?
Type of questionnaire. Will the questionnaire be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured?
Are the questions clear and concise?
Is it possible to pilot the survey?
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