scholarly journals Building blocks: Children's open-ended play in Minecraft

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liam O'Donnell
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Teaching Model ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Qualitative Research Study

This qualitative research study tracks the evolution of the video game Minecraft as a tool for education and connects it with constructionist theories of learning. It highlights an emerging model of pedagogy that severs these constructionist connections in favour of heteronomous, teacher-directed lessons that limit children’s autonomy and negate their affinity with cultures surrounding Minecraft. To explore alternatives to this teaching model, eight children, aged 6 to 8 years, engaged in open-ended, self-directed play in Minecraft over four 20-minute sessions and shared their experiences through focus group discussions. The results highlight the importance for educators to create a constructionist culture around Minecraft by allowing children to autonomously pursue their intrinsic interests and respecting their affinity with practices not traditionally welcomed in the classroom, including playing with in-game explosives. The paper concludes with guidelines for teachers to implement these practices and create a constructionist culture in their own classrooms.

scholarly journals Building blocks: Children's open-ended play in Minecraft

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liam O'Donnell
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Teaching Model ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Qualitative Research Study

This qualitative research study tracks the evolution of the video game Minecraft as a tool for education and connects it with constructionist theories of learning. It highlights an emerging model of pedagogy that severs these constructionist connections in favour of heteronomous, teacher-directed lessons that limit children’s autonomy and negate their affinity with cultures surrounding Minecraft. To explore alternatives to this teaching model, eight children, aged 6 to 8 years, engaged in open-ended, self-directed play in Minecraft over four 20-minute sessions and shared their experiences through focus group discussions. The results highlight the importance for educators to create a constructionist culture around Minecraft by allowing children to autonomously pursue their intrinsic interests and respecting their affinity with practices not traditionally welcomed in the classroom, including playing with in-game explosives. The paper concludes with guidelines for teachers to implement these practices and create a constructionist culture in their own classrooms.

scholarly journals Combining Causal Model and Focus Group Discussions: Experiences Learned from a Socio-Anthropological Research on the Differing Perceptions of Caretakers and Health Professionals on Children's Health (Bolivia/Peru)

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Lefèvre ◽  
Charles-Édouard De Suremain ◽  
Emma Rubín De Celis ◽  
Edgar Sejas
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Causal Model ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
The World ◽  
Anthropological Research ◽  
Texas Tech University

During the summer of 2002, thirty-one medieval frescoes went on display at the Museum of Texas Tech University, the only venue in the world for this extraordinary exhibition. This paper summarizes a qualitative research study that focused on the experiences of three visitors to the Medieval Frescoes from the Vatican Museums Collection exhibition. The study applied Gadamers (1993) idea of horizons to both the visitor-participants and the frescoes to illuminate the interpretive event, the meeting of horizons, and to uncover any obstacles that might hinder the fusion of horizons. The findings of the study are presented in a readers theatre format as an alternative to traditional reporting methods so that the voices of the participants, frescoes, and researcher can be portrayed more clearly.

scholarly journals “Stages of change, smoking behavior and acceptability of a textmessaging intervention for tobacco cessation among cigarette, dokha and shishasmokers: A qualitative research study.”

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e029144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusra Elhidaia Elobaid ◽  
Andrea Leinberger Jabari ◽  
Aisha Al Hamiz ◽  
Abdul Rizzak Al Kaddour ◽  
Sherif Bakir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Tobacco Cessation ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

ObjectivesTo explore: (A) the underlying motivators and barriers to smoking cessation among young Arabic speaking smokers and (B) to examine the suitability and preferences for tobacco cessation interventions (specifically text messages) and study the possibility of enrollment methods for a randomised controlled study using text messages as an intervention for tobacco cessation.DesignQualitative research using focus group discussions and content analysis.Setting(s)Two universities, one of them is the first and foremost comprehensive national university in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The third setting is the largest hospital in the UAE and the flagship institution for the public health system in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.ParticipantsSix focus group discussions with a total of 57 participants. Forty-seven men and 10 women. Fifty-three of them were current smokers.ResultsThe analysis of six focus groups was carried out. Main themes arose from the data included: preferences for tobacco cessation interventions and acceptability and feasibility of text messaging as tobacco cessation intervention. Different motives and barriers for quitting smoking including shisha and dokha were explored.ConclusionInterventions using text messaging for smoking cessation have not been used in the Middle East and they could potentially be effective; however, tailoring and closely examining the content and acceptability of text messages to be used is important before the conduction of trials involving their use. Social media is perceived to be more effective and influential, with a higher level of penetration into communities of young smokers.

Disability and Social Exclusion

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina I. Tobias ◽  
Sourav Mukhopadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
Individual Interviews

This article explores the experiences of social exclusion of individuals with visual impairment (IWVI) as they negotiate their daily lives in their homes and societal settings in the Oshana and Oshikoto regions of Namibia. Employing qualitative research approach, this research tried to better understand the lived experiences of IWVI. Nine IWVI with ages ranging from 30 to 90 years were initially engaged in focus group discussions, followed by semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. The findings of this research indicated that IWVI experience exclusion from education, employment and social and community participation as well as relationships. Based on these findings, we suggest more inclusive policies to address social exclusion of IWVI. At the same time, this group of individuals should be empowered to participate in community activities to promote interaction with people without visual impairments.

scholarly journals America in Pakistani Print Media: A Semiotic Discourse Analysis based Study of Pak-Us Relationship

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Muhammad Akber Sajid ◽  
Muhammad Riaz Khan
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Print Media ◽  
Time Span ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Semiotic Analysis ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Qualitative Research Design

Print media semiotic discourses are one of the best sites for ideological investment and their role is very significant in the production and dissemination of certain ideology. The aim of the present study is to critically decode the semiotic discourse(s) of Pakistani English newspaper DAWN (daily) with special reference to the representation of Pak- Us relationship through the analysis of the semiotics discourses. The data for the present research has been collected from the mentioned newspaper. The time span for data collection ranges from October 2018 to December 2018. Out of ten (10) caricatures which represent Pakistan attempting to survive at its own rather than depending on America one was purposively selected for linguistic and semiotic analyses. The study is descriptive and utilizes qualitative research design. For this purpose, the researchers have devised an amended research model by drawing upon Fairclough (1995), Kress (2010) and Kruger’s (2000) research models to analyse linguistic, semiotic and focus group discussions data. The semiotic analysis has also been validated by incorporating the remarks of focus group participants. Based on the analysis of data the study concludes that noting is absolute in politics as far as Pak- Us relations through semiotic discourses are concerned. Additionally, the research reveals that print media semiotic discourses work insidiously to represent socio- political changes by employing linguistic and meta-linguistic devices and techniques.

scholarly journals The Unexpected Rewards of Qualitative Research in Assessment: A Case Example

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penny Singh
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Tertiary Institutions ◽  
Learning Opportunity ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Oral Assessment ◽  
Oral Component

This paper reports on the inclusion of an oral component of assessment in science at two tertiary institutions in South Africa. The purpose of this paper is not to report on the results of the assessments conducted, but to focus on some of the unexpected rewards of conducting qualitative research in assessment. Using focus group discussions within a qualitative framework allowed me insights into the thoughts and experiences of the students and assessors, making the benefits of oral assessment apparent. These benefits included how assessment can be used as a learning opportunity, the advantages of homogeneous versus heterogeneous groups, and the benefits of face-to-face interaction, all of which led to improved relationships between students and assessors.

scholarly journals A Framework for Conducting Critical Dialectical Pluralist Focus Group Discussions Using Mixed Research Techniques

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie ◽  
Rebecca K. Frels
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Marginalized Populations ◽  
Data Collection Tool ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
New Type

<p>Although focus group discussions (FGDs) represent a popular data collection tool for researchers, they contain an extremely serious flaw: FGD researchers have ultimate power over all decisions made at every stage of the research process—from the conceptualization of the research, to the planning of the research study, to the implementation of the research study, to the dissemination of FGD findings. Yet, exercising 100% control over all decisions in FGD research can be detrimental for some participants, especially for under-represented, underserved, and marginalized populations. Thus, in this article, we introduce a new type of participant-directed FGD, which we call a <em>critical dialectical pluralist FGD</em>, wherein participants are maximally empowered to make decisions at every stage of the mixed research process. We outline the stages of critical dialectical pluralist FGDs and provide a real-life example of this approach.</p>

Sexual and reproductive health in the time of COVID-19 in Latvia, qualitative research interviews and focus group discussions, 2020 (in Latvian)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunta Lazdane ◽  
◽  
Dace Rezeberga ◽  
Ieva Briedite ◽  
Elizabete Pumpure ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Qualitative research is focused on the influence of COVID-19 pandemic and restriction measures on sexual and reproductive health in Latvia. Results of the anonymous online survey (I-SHARE) of 1173 people living in Latvia age 18 and over were used as a background in finalization the interview and the focus group discussion protocols ensuring better understanding of the influencing factors. Protocols included 9 parts (0.Introduction. 1. COVID-19 general influence, 2. SRH, 3. Communication with health professionals, 4.Access to SRH services, 5.Communication with population incl. three target groups 5.1. Pregnant women, 5.2. People with suspected STIs, 5.3.Women, who require abortion, 6. HIV/COVID-19, 7. External support, 8. Conclusions and recommendations. Data include audiorecords in Latvian of: 1) 11 semi-structures interviews with policy makers including representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in sexual and reproductive health, information and health service provision. 2) 12 focus group discussions with pregnant women (1), women in postpartum period (3) and their partners (3), people living with HIV (1), health care providers involved in maternal health care and emergency health care for women (4) (2021-02-18) Subject: Medicine, Health and Life Sciences Keywords: Sexual and reproductive health, COVID-19, access to services, Latvia

scholarly journals The Management of Waqf Universities in Selangor, Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-60
Author(s):  
Mohd. Ali Muhamad Don ◽  
Muhamad Rahimi Osman
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Model Theory ◽  
The State ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Management Issues

In Malaysia, waqf management including those in universities, is under the authority of the State Islamic Religious Council as a sole trustee waqf. This is to protect the waqf assets from any interventions by the heirs. Even so, one Malaysian university is said to manage the waqf scheme without the supervision of the Islamic Council which contradict with the provision of the State of Islamic Religious Council (SIRC) as the sole trustee of waqf. Thus, this study explores the management of waqf by several universities in Selangor and relation to SIRC as the sole trustee of waqf. A qualitative research approach was employed to collect data from focus group discussions and interviews with selected participants from the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Selangor IRC), selected universities and waqf experts in Malaysia. The findings show that University Kebangsaan Malaysia and University Putra Malaysia waqf funds are managed under the Selangor IRC monitoring while University Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia endowment or waqf fund is managed privately by the university. The impact of this is that several waqf management issues arose. Hence, the authors recommend the Model theory of al-wilayah to be applied in the management of waqf in the universities. Through this model, SIRC and the university can play a more significant role in the management of waqf, thereby promoting the development of waqf in Malaysia.

scholarly journals Practitioners and Uses of Contemporary Mende Folk literature in South-Eastern Sierra Leone

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Mustapha Fofanah ◽  
Philip Foday Yamba Thulla ◽  
Samba Moriba
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Secret Society ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Folk Literature

The study examined the practitioners and uses of contemporary Mende folk literature in South-eastern Sierra Leone. A qualitative research design involving 250 participants from 50 communities with 5 participants from each community was used in the study. Interviews were carried out using interview guide questions relating to folk practices, performance, and uses in the selected communities. Focus group discussions followed the interviews in 10 communities selected using simple random techniques. The findings revealed that Mende folk literature was endangered and, apart from occasional singing, household story-telling and riddling sessions done mainly by children and women, the only groups of people recognized as practitioners of Mende folk literature were the tribal and secret society heads and the community's griots, who mostly were elderly people. Mende folk literature should not only be of academic interest but rather a source of cultural rejuvenation.   Received: 26 July 2021 / Accepted: 27 September 2021 / Published: 5 November 2021

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