This article guides readers through the decisions and considerations involved in conducting focus-group research investigations into students' learning experiences. One previously published focus-group study is used as an illustrative example, along with other examples from the field of pedagogic research in geography higher education. An approach to deciding whether to use focus groups is suggested, which includes a consideration of when focus groups are preferred over one-to-one interviews. Guidelines for setting up and designing focus-group studies are outlined, ethical issues are highlighted, the purpose of a pilot study is reviewed, and common focus-group analysis and reporting styles are outlined.
This article reports an investigation into the relationship between student perceptions of lecturer research and motivation to study at university. A 71-item, Likert-type questionnaire was completed by 100 Oxford Brookes University final year undergraduates. The pattern of correlation between variables together with the results of a factor analysis, suggests that a relationship exists between type of student motivation and attitude to faculty research. It is proposed that Intrinsic Motivation, and a specific form of Course Competence are associated with positive attitudes to departmental research activity while Extrinsic-, Social-and Achievement-oriented students appear to be indifferent, or to have negative attitudes towards research. In the light of the present findings, it is suggested that previously reported negative evaluations of research-active teachers may come from a subpopulation of students who are extrinsically motivated and uninterested in communication with lecturers. Students in this group may avoid interaction with lecturers, while such interaction is sought by intrinsically-motivated, course-competent students. In these circumstances, lecturer views on the value of research for teaching might well be biased by feedback from those students who perceive it positively. It is noted that the present findings may explain how positive forms of student motivation can be enhanced.
This article reports three related studies which investigate how undergraduates use and think about information and communication technologies (ICT) in the context of learning at university. Data were obtained via questionnaires, computer diary records and focus group discussions. The studies were intended to help universities decide how to incorporate ICT into student learning, how the cost of equipment should be shared between students and institutions, and how university provision should be organised to best t student needs, attitudes and perceptions. Presentation of the results from the studies is followed by a discussion, which attempts to draw out the practical implications of the evaluation evidence for university policy-makers.
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