ERIC Number: EJ1260679
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2295-3159
EISSN: N/A
Experience and Meaning in Small-Group Contexts: Fusing Observational and Self-Report Data to Capture Self and Other Dynamics
Vriesema, Christine Calderon; McCaslin, Mary
Frontline Learning Research, v8 n3 p126-139 2020
Self-report data have contributed to a rich understanding of learning and motivation; yet, self-report measures present challenges to researchers studying students' experiences in small-group contexts. Rather than using self-report data alone, we argue that fusing self-report and observational data can yield a broader understanding of students' small-group dynamics. We provide evidence for this assertion by presenting mixed-methods findings in three sections: (a) self-report data alone; (b) observational data alone; and (c) the fusion of both data sources. We rely on 101 students' self-reported experiences as well as observational (i.e., audio) data of students working in their group (N = 24 groups). In section order, we found that (1) students' self-reported small-group behavior predicted their end-of-study reported anxiety and emotion; (2) coded observational data captured five types of group dynamics that students can engage in; and (3) students' initial group-level characteristics predicted their real-time group dynamics, and observed group regulation activity predicted students' self-reported anxiety, emotion, and regulation moving forward. Thus, while self-report and observational data alone can each increase our understanding of student motivation and learning processes, pursuing both in tandem more effectively captures the give-and-take among students, how these experiences evolve over time, and the personal meanings they can afford.
Descriptors: Group Dynamics, Small Group Instruction, Measurement Techniques, Student Experience, Anxiety, Emotional Response, Predictor Variables, Student Motivation, Learning Processes, Mathematics Instruction, Classroom Observation Techniques, Elementary School Students, Grade 3, Grade 5, Coping, Self Management, Learning Readiness, Data Interpretation, Cooperative Learning
European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction. Peterseliegang 1, Box 1, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. e-mail: info@frontlinelearningresearch.org; Web site: http://journals.sfu.ca/flr/index.php/journal/index
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 3; Primary Education; Grade 5; Intermediate Grades; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A