Reflective Essay on the Experience of a Research Process
Reflect on the process of conducting peer research involving a focus group
Include within the discussion an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of using focus groups, plus the skills, attributes and resources required and developed. Examine also the suitability of applying a similar process for collecting data from children and young people and how credible any resulting findings might be?
(2,000 words)
Our group was about the free tablet we received from our university for educational purposes. we got our data from the students that study the same course as us. i felt as though one of the members rushed the questions (from our questionnaire) when she was asking another group, i could tell through their facial expressions. That they weren’t given a chance to speak properly. Also when the other group asked me questions i gave them alot of feedback but i feel as though my group was not able to receive any good feedback due to the way members approached the questions and rushed everything. i found it very disappointing and was annoyed with that. There was lack of communication as the day came to present our work, the same girl who rushed the questions during the research was supposed to write up the presentation for the group as she took that responsibility but she didn’t even attend to university that day.
REFLECTIVE ESSAY – SUGGESTED BREAKDOWN
Content, guidance and suggested word count
Title
Reflect on the process of conducting peer research involving a focus group
Introduction
(approx. word count 100):
• Outline what is to follow in your essay
• Be as brief as possible
Part One: A review of the perceived value of the applied research method; according to literature
(approx word count 400):
You should cover:
• At least one definition of the research method
• Identified strengths and opportunities – including how and why this particular tool is often viewed positively and the circumstances where it is believed to work well
• Recognised weaknesses and threats – including the perceived drawbacks and pitfalls.
You should avoid use of the first person in this section and make numerous references to literature
Part Two: A review of the skills, attributes and resources required and developed
(approx word count 600):
You should cover:
• What are some of the recognised competences, personality traits and resources that help facilitate the application of the research method?
• What you learnt from your participation and how you felt?
• To what extent you feel you have developed the skills and confidence to utilise this research tool in the future?
• What you (now) consider to be vital ingredients to ensure similar research is conducted professionally?
• What resources are likely to be needed for you to do so, and how might you prepare or access them?
• How the skills acquired and developed, in relation to self-management, teamwork and professionalism, might prove beneficial in any future roles and responsibilities in the field of education and beyond?
• What skills require further development and how might you go about this?
TIP: Most reflective essays benefit from an honest appraisal and awareness of areas for development. Exaggerated claims of strengths or an impression given of being beyond improvement are often seen as disingenuous or naïve.
You must refer to literature as well as reflecting on your personal experience
You may also want to refer to your appendices
As Part Two is partly about reflecting upon ‘your ‘journey’ , moderate use of the first person is appropriate
Part Three: A reflection on the suitability of applying a similar process for collecting data from children and young people and how credible any resulting findings might be?
(approx word count 700):
You should cover:
• Examples of how a similar process has been, or could be, applied to collect data from children and young people on other educational topics?
• How credible are any findings likely to be and why?
• How are findings typically processed?
• An appreciation of issues (and definitions) of reliability, validity and bias
• To what extent are the views expressed likely to be representative of the wider population and to what degree this might matter?
• Different perspectives on the value of ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ data
• How the method may or may not be particularly suitable for gathering information from children and young people?
• What you could do to make the process more accessible to children and or young people?
• An awareness of some of the risks involved
• In particular possible behavioural and child protection issues, including the importance of obtaining informed consent and maintaining confidentiality, agreeing ground rules and the right to withdraw, and being aware of children and young people’s vulnerabilities and adults’ safeguarding responsibilities.
You should avoid use of the first person in this section and continue to make numerous references to literature
Conclusion
(approx word count 200):
• Provide a clear summary of themes addressed in all three parts
• Indications of when, whether and why you might apply the method in the future
• Do not include any surprises or references within the conclusion