VI Methodology

We worked within a "practitioner reflective research" framework, drawing upon the subjective knowledge and understanding of the practitioner as a resource. We used the collective experience of the practitioners to inform the focus group activities and the interpretation of data and to generate insights not otherwise available.

We sought to understand learners' and practitioners' experience and understanding of progress and to define and articulate this knowledge. Guidelines supplied by our research mentors were used to employ and manage human subjectivity as a research instrument, rather than as a source of bias.

A. Who we interviewed

Eighteen focus groups were held and a total of 56 learners were interviewed. Typically three learners at levels 1, 2 or 3 with independence as one of their goals were targeted for participation in the focus group session. The following tables provide demographic data of the learners interviewed.