[DTLLS]

Advantages:

• More sociable than a one-to-one interview• Raises unexpected issues for exploration• Low cost, can get results relatively quickly• Increases the sample size by talking with several

people at once

[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focus_group]

Disadvantages: • Less control than one-on-one interview• Time can be lost on irrelevant issues• Tough to analyse – talking is in reaction to other

group member comments• Groups are variable and may be difficult to

assemble• May be too few members for a representative

sample

[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focus_group]

Preparation:

• Ice breaker 1 question• Structure 2 • Process 2 • Outcome 3

Our Focus Group:

• Sample: 2 (male)• Setting: quiet classroom• Duration: 15 mins (approx.)

• Prepared questions: 8• Recording method: notes & debrief• Notes to include: body language

Results:

Structure (a): Is pace of topics ok?

• Variety can help, focus is appreciated• Discussion fosters inclusivity• Different ideas from different people

Structure (b): Topics build progressively?

• Not taken up by group

Process (a): Preferred delivery medium?

• Mixture is important• Prefer Powerpoint to be limited• An interesting aside about ppt v ohp

Process (b): Medium least liked?

• In moderation, all ok

Results:

Results:

Outcome (a): Does DTLLS inform your TP?

• Affirming, boosting confidence• Professionally, vocabulary is important• Enables discussion of concepts

Outcome (b): Do essays clarify & consolidate?

• Yes, more conscious of lesson design

Results:

Outcome (c): Is essay word limit ok?

• Encourages focus on topic• Boundary/guidance appreciated• Although restrictive, does stop waffle

Results:

Body Language Observation

• Normally video-recorded• Analysed carefully• We used hand-written notes & debrief

• Very relaxed (familiar participants)• Deferential, consultative, amiable• Consistent throughout

Micro Conclusions:

• High degree of satisfaction• Varied delivery is valued• Social aspect is valued• Topic progression may be undervalued

The Overall Experience:

• Even a small group was productive• Unexpected tangential results!• Real time observation of body language

was difficult, even with small group• Rapid execution & analysis• Our results completely text-based• No maths!