The research methodology used in this study was primarily qualitative, supported by quantitative elements, to assess the effectiveness and impact of a student-led learning format. The following methods and approaches were applied to gather data and generate insights:
1. Survey Methodology: I created a structured survey with a mix of closed and open-ended questions. The closed questions used a Likert scale (e.g., strongly agree to strongly disagree) to quantify attitudes and outcomes. The open-ended ones were there to dig deeper into personal reflections, challenges, and suggestions for improvement.
Target Audience: The survey went out to the 24 students who participated in the session. The group was intentionally diverse, representing different cultural and academic backgrounds.
Data Collection: The survey was given after the session to allow students to reflect. It asked about:
- Engagement and participation
- Inclusion and diversity of perspectives
- Group dynamics
- Theoretical application
- Confidence-building
- Interest in new initiatives (e.g., a podcast)
- Peer feedback
- Preparation and autonomy
- Creativity
Analysis: For the closed questions, I looked at the trends (e.g., percentage of students agreeing). For the open-ended responses, I used thematic analysis to pull out common themes and insights.
2. Researcher Observations: I was both a participant and an observer during the session, taking notes on student interactions, group dynamics, and overall engagement.
Methodology:
- Participant Observation: I joined in and watched how students interacted, especially during discussions and presentations.
- Non-participant Observation: I also stepped back at times to observe without direct involvement, which gave me a clearer picture of group behaviours.
Data Collection: I kept detailed field notes throughout, focusing on things like:
- How engaged students were
- Confidence levels (or lack thereof)
- How groups coordinated (or didn’t)
- Creative strategies used in presentations
- Moments of noticeable learning or realisation
- How peer feedback played a role
Analysis: I looked for recurring patterns in my notes, particularly those that either backed up or challenged what the survey data was showing.
3. Triangulation Method: Triangulation helped me combine the survey and observation data for a fuller picture. The idea was to validate the findings by comparing different perspectives.
How I Applied It:
- Comparison: For example, if most students said they were highly engaged in the survey, I checked this against my own notes about their participation levels.
- Convergence: Many findings overlapped (e.g., confidence-building and creativity), which reinforced their validity.
- Divergence: Where things didn’t align—like when some students reported discomfort in the survey but seemed engaged in my observations—I noted these differences and thought about possible explanations, like group dynamics or preparation levels.
4. Reflexive Approach: Throughout the study, I tried to stay aware of my own biases. I kept asking myself whether my perspective as a tutor might be shaping how I interpreted what I was seeing or hearing.
5. Methodological Strengths and Limitations
Strengths:
- Using both surveys and observations gave me a richer, more rounded view of the session.
- Observations provided real-time insights that a survey alone wouldn’t have captured.
- The methods were student-focused, prioritising their voices and experiences.
Limitations:
- Self-Reporting Bias: Students might have given socially desirable answers in the survey.
- Sample Size: With only 24 participants, the findings might not apply to a larger cohort.
- Researcher Interpretation: My dual role as observer and tutor means my perspective might have influenced how I interpreted events.
6. Summary of Methodological Integration: By combining surveys with direct observations, I was able to triangulate both quantitative and qualitative data. The surveys provided measurable trends, while my observations added depth and nuance. Together, these methods offered a well-rounded understanding of the session, highlighting both the outcomes and the learning process.
These insights not only helped me understand the impact of the student-led format but also provided actionable takeaways for improving future sessions.