Chapter 3: The Operation of Project L.O.V.E.

The research methodology and data collection tools yielded a large amount of information on Project L.O.V.E. in Prince Edward Island. Much of that information was anecdotal, descriptive and qualitative in nature which meant the data was combed for recurring ideas, grouped into major categories and then synthesized into key findings. The surveys for volunteers and classroom teachers also yielded numerical data which was summarized in tables and graphs and then included in the final synthesis of the findings. Two research assistants entered and verified all the data and assisted in identifying recurring themes and issues. The two researchers reviewed the data independently and then collaborated in the final synthesis and identification of the research findings.

This chapter presents the key findings of the study organized into three major categories:

  1. The Participants in Project L.O.V.E. which summarises demographic and descriptive data on the volunteers, the classroom teachers and the children;
  2. The Functioning of Project L.O.V.E. where we examine the roles of participants, orientation practices, and how the Project L.O.V.E. sessions are organized; and
  3. The Support Services Provided by Project L.O.V.E. where we share information on communication, workshops and promoting Project L.O.V.E. For each major category, a synthesis of survey and focus group data and a brief discussion of the key findings are presented.

Participants

Volunteers

Over 200 Project L.O.V.E. volunteers were invited to complete a Survey of Project L.O.V.E. Volunteers which was mailed out individually to their homes. A second mailing was done to encourage more volunteers to complete the survey. In the end 107 Surveys were used for the data analysis ( a return rate of 49.4%). An initial analysis of the surveys led to a series of questions which formed the basis of six focus groups held in five locations. A total of 29 volunteers attended these sessions which were usually about one hour long and were held during a series of workshops offered by the Project L.O.V.E. Executive Director. These focus group sessions were audio-taped and both researcher combed the data independently for common themes and key ideas.