The size of the focus groups (three to four learners) seemed to be ideal in getting in-depth responses. It ensured, to some extent, that even those who were less talkative had a chance to respond. In a larger group, one can be quiet or "invisible" more readily.
This section describes how we organized and worked with our data to arrive at the findings reported here. We produced verbatim transcripts from the audio recordings, which were of immense value. The report writer was able to re-examine the transcripts and thoroughly understand the learners' responses and the themes and insights reported by the practitioner research pairs in the individual focus group summaries. The ability to use and to quote learners' exact words strengthens the report, and makes our interpretations, findings and conclusions more visible and more credible. It also allowed us to use the words of our learners, who in many cases were very eloquent.
This section describes the steps we took to interpret the data. Having verbatim transcripts allowed us to carefully and systematically read and re-read the data, looking for themes and patterns. In addition, review and reflection activity happened in multiple ways and at multiple points in the project by:
The facilitator pairs' interpretations and reflections were based on a detailed review of each focus group transcript using a reporting protocol developed expressly for this project (Appendix A). Themes, indicators of progress and learners' words relevant to the project focus were identified and pulled from the transcripts. Listserv was used to provide shared access to transcripts, focus group summaries and magazine articles. Not all members had the time to provide feedback on all the articles.
The research group met face-to-face twice to discuss the findings and compare themes and indicators of progress. Part way through the focus group activities, we met for a group review and reflection on the findings. Once all focus group activities were completed, we met again for a full day group review and reflection exercise. Conference calls were used to discuss and reflect on the articles being written for the magazine, providing another opportunity to discuss and reflect on findings.
The report writer further analyzed the data, taking into account focus group themes and indicators of progress identified by the practitioner researchers. Some of the categories from the literature review completed for this project were used to help frame some of our findings.