Methodology
This was a mixed method research project that included quantative data from a questionnaire to get a broad statistical picture of student experiences of flow and a smaller sample of qualitative data from interviews conducted with student volunteers from within the sample. It was intended that the interviews would add detail and discreet 'student voice' to the experiences to obtain a more human picture of the phenomena.
The research was conducted with a sample group of three BTEC Vocational Level 3 courses from the Media and Performing Arts Faculty. Thirty five students were included in the sample.
The research timeline took place in phases outlined below:
The research was conducted with a sample group of three BTEC Vocational Level 3 courses from the Media and Performing Arts Faculty. Thirty five students were included in the sample.
The research timeline took place in phases outlined below:
- PHASE 1. Initial focus groups: these were awareness raising sessions abut flow psychology and the scope of the research. Intended as an open discussion forum to gauge student experience of flow and thoughts about how much flow they experienced at college. There was also an opportunity for students to make recommendations about how teaching and learning could facilitate flow. The next website page (Focus Group Resources: What is Flow?) outlines the lesson resources used. To view click here
- PHASE 2. Survey based on focus group topics for individuals to complete
- PHASE 3. Follow up interviews with a small sample of students to explore the topics in more depth. This included one initial 'pilot' interview with one student. Five students were interviewed in total.
- PHASE 4. Write up results and findings for submission to emCETT making recommendations based on research outcomes.