Be careful how you ask! Using focus groups and nominal group technique to explore the barriers to learning

Porter, J. (2013) Be careful how you ask! Using focus groups and nominal group technique to explore the barriers to learning. International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 36 (1). pp. 33-51. ISSN 1743-7288 doi: 10.1080/1743727X.2012.675554

Abstract/Summary

Schools have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils who experience barriers to learning. Inclusive approaches to data collection ensure that the needs of all children who are struggling are not overlooked. However, it is important that the methods promote sustained reflection on the part of all children, do not inadvertently accentuate differences between pupils, and do not allow individual needs to go unrecognized. This paper examines more closely the processes involved in using Nominal Group Technique to collect the views of children with and without a disability on the difficulties experienced in school. Data were collected on the process as well as the outcomes of using this technique to examine how pupil views are transformed from the individual to the collective, a process that involves making the private, public. Contrasts are drawn with questionnaire data, another method of data collection favoured by teachers. Although more time-efficient this can produce unclear and cursory responses. The views that surface from pupils need also to be seen within the context of the ways in which schools customize the data collection process and the ways in which the format and organization of the activity impact on the responses and responsiveness of the pupils.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/47233
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > Institute of Education > Improving Equity and Inclusion through Education Arts, Humanities and Social Science > Institute of Education > Language and Literacy in Education
Publisher	Routledge
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