Research
- Why did Jim feel it necessary to analyze reflective material produced by students rather than just interview final-year students in his research
There are two perspectives which compelled Jim to use the effective material that the students produced. One perspective involves the limitations that are attributed to the survey data, which may jeopardize the clear information needed for proper understanding the relationship between the Work-Based Learning students and the application of such placement experience during their final year. It is imperative to note that, the process of collecting, sampling and analyzing data involves a lot of aspects which may lead final to inaccuracy of the final conclusion. On a similar note the, the methods of analysis are not always accurate, they just offer a projection of the outcome. Hence, the issues, that relates to the whole of the process of research data analysis is a foremost factor that motivated Jim to seek the students' reflection directly. The other aspect that motivated Jim to use the students’ reflections is the need to get first hand information. Look at this scenario, Jim needs to ascertain that the students who participate in the Work-Based Learning apply the skills they gain their final year, Jim is a researcher and the students represents the subject of investigation. It is in order to use the subjects of investigation directly and use whatever the outcome to compare them with those from the surveyed data, instead of vice versa.
In addition, among the numerous pieces of literature read, most of them cited that reflection was the foremost way of finding the correct and most trusted feedback concerning the issues under study. Jim as an interested party in the research felt that, the surveyed data did not give valid and adequate information and thus he decided to explore the whole study by use of the students’ reflection. Moreover, the Jim believed that, the students will demonstrate their learning through reflection by application of theoretical responsiveness to their experiences, which include those related to placement. Jim believes that analyzing the reflected work from the students will give a better picture than that of the surveyed data.
2. What advice would you give to Jim in terms of addressing the issue of:
a. people shifting interview appointments, and [15 marks]
The issue of people shifting the interviews is normal, particularly, when they do understand the benefits that would come from attending. In the case of Jim and the students, it presents a tricky situation because of two aspects. The first one the students in the Work-Based Learning might have thought, Jim wanted to dig more into their private lives. The second aspect involved the fear of the students that Jim will realize whether they apply the WBL experience or not through the answers they gave. I would advice Jim, that when an interviewer has wrongly perceived an interview, then it becomes difficult to convince him/her that, all that you need is not personal but professional. Hence, the shifting of interview appointments is a normal thing that happens to researchers and hence Jim should take everything positive and appreciate the fact that, despite shifting, they eventually attended.
b. The hostility he faced from some of the interviewees? [10 marks]
About the hostility they faced from the interviewees, he should take it as part of the challenges that researchers pass through when they are looking for information that would make them give true and fair opinions. Some of the interviewees having shifted the appointment dates, was a clear indication that, they were not ready to be interviewed, however, they showed up after a persistence call and encouragement. This implies that, they had come for the interview, already angry. This hostility is sometimes attributed to the position assumed by these students. The fact that they are under a program that puts them in a relatively low position compared to those in normal program, they might feel inferior and this can cause some of them get angry whenever called to attend an interview, which they perceive does not benefit them. Therefore, my advise to Jim is that, when collecting the information that do not have and you need it for purpose such as the one described in this case scenario, one becomes a beggar, despite his/her position, bike, he does not pay for the time spent by the interviewees. The fact that, the interviewees attend and gives the information voluntarily, Jim does not need to worry so much. His interest should be confined to getting the necessary information.
3. Why was it important to plan and manage the interviews in the way described? [25
Marks]
In the first case, informing the students about the intent of participating in an interview concerning the relationship between the WBL and the practicing of the experience in the final year of study, was very critical, because it gave room for the students to challenge their minds on whether to attend or not. The second part of calling them was critical to get their position about attending the interview, this process helped him to know that even the potential entries had declined to attend citing busy schedules. This confirmation allowed him to use other criteria of using their module teacher, who convinced them about the essence of the interview to their studies. My be he told them that, it will be graded. So the students agreed to come. On the paectionof managing the interview, it is always advisable for the interviewer to inform the interviewee of the reason for the interview. This prepares the interviewer’s mind about the anticipated questions. On a similar note, assuring the interviewee about the confidentiality of
The interview results is a fundamental part of any interview because it enables the interviewee to be free in giving all the relevant information, without any fear. The second step of begin the interview was anticipated by all the interviewees because they were already being prepared. The final stage involved closing the interview by allowing the interviewees a chance to raise any question nor concern about the interview. This step allowed each interviwee to be satisfied.
4. Why was it valid for Jim to decide to interview tutors when originally he had not intended
Jim’s motivation to interview the tutor was based on the outcome of the students interviewed. After interviewing the students, Jim realized that, the majority of the students who were in the WBL program blamed their tutors of not encouraging them to practice what they learn in their final year learning. So Jim wanted to ascertain what the students were saying is true. When such a claim is raised, an interviewer needs to go down to the bottom of the matter by getting feedback from the parties involved. Jim’s decision of interviewing the tutors is well informed because, it will uncover, the truth. It is evident that, the tutors had a different opinion concerning the student’s claims. The teachers asserted that they often encourage the students under the Work Based Learning program to use their experience in their final years of learning. When a researcher finds opposing opinions over an issue under investigation, you take the study to another level of interpretation. This is often called qualitative analysis of the results which is fundamental in establishing more precise conclusions about a given set of results. The tutors asserted that they encourage the students by offering a range of examples. From the tow perspective of this study, it is realized that, the tutors only encouraged the students in an implicit manner, which they never realized. The study found out that, if the tutors would have used the explicit approach to encourage the students, they would have realized and applied it in their final year classroom learning. This part of the interview is interesting since it turns out the study to another direction. The claims from the students, that, their tutors did not encourage them, motivated Jim to seek the tutor’s opinion. This is the universal path any researcher must take, whenever he feels that, he/she needs to ascertain certain information. The sole reason for such move is to ensure that, clarity and accuracy of information is assured. It is imperative to note that, when accuracy during data collection is fundamental since it reflects the final outcome of a research. Let us make an assumption that Jim did no bother to get the tutor’s views, what would have been his conclusion? He would have concluded that, the tutors did not encourage students and this forms a bias outcome, which will not reflect, the real picture of the situation. This excerpt of this scenario serves as a foundation of any research. In essence, a research should have information collected from all the concerned parties. This a fair judgement.
In conclusion, Jim’s case study is a true reflection of the path followed by research, researchers and this should be upheld by any researcher. In this process, a true picture will be reflected.
List of References
Bowes, L. and Harvey, L. (2000) The Impact of Sandwich Education on the Activities of Graduates SixMonths
Post-Graduation, London, National Council for Work Experience and the Centre for Research into Quality.
Kolb, D.A. (1984) Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development,New Jersey, Prentice Hall.
Moon, J. (1999) Learning Journals: A Handbook for Academics, Students and Professional
Development, London, Kogan Page.
