My research is crawling along. I have found it to be difficult to interview students that are consistently suspended or absent. I am considering going to another classroom to use students that I had last semester especially since the attendance has been a problem. I have talked to three of my interviewees and asked several questions. They are extremely honest. They remind me of the elementary school kids that I had last year. They don’t necessarily tell you what you want to hear, but what the truth is. That means they aren’t too concerned about using a library. What I have noticed is that they are sure interested in the book we are reading in class and I over hear them discussing books they have read in other classes. They always want to get on the computer and read the current newspaper. Little do they know they are using the resources that the library would offer. After questioning another teacher it seems that the students would be more likely to use the facility than her. I was mighty taken aback from that. All my students have been very forthcoming with information. They don’t seem to mind talking with me about school stuff.
Heather Greene
Comments (7)
I had some problems with my participants remembering their interview date and time. So far, knock on wood, they have all been present but I had to reschedule several interviews and this has somewhat altered my timeline. I know it is difficult to move along with data collection when something isn't working out as expected. I hope you can work around this and continue trouble free.
Posted by Kristen Clark | March 22, 2009 2:20 PM
Posted on March 22, 2009 14:20
I have had similar difficulty with carrying out my interviews, hopefully you are collecting enough other data to keep your research study flowing. I have discovered that even middle school students don't have a problem telling what they really think, and that in itself has done a lot to keep my research on track. I'm sure their willingness to talk with you will be of great benefit to you. Your comment about the teacher's lack of desire to use the library does say a lot about the impact of the Internet and the accessibility of information. It probably goes along with a need for the library not to be just a repository of knowledge, but a filter and focuser for students and teachers. Good luck with your remaining research.
Posted by Jeff Kitchen | March 22, 2009 4:22 PM
Posted on March 22, 2009 16:22
I also had some similar issues when conducting my interviews. I thought the process would go by quickly, but it actually took about a week of research time. I liked your observation of the honesty of kids; sometimes I think adults could learn from them. It is very interesting that your interviewees do not feel as though the library would be an asset to them. Have they ever been exposed to a school library? Are they considering the electronic researching capabilties, as well as the book and print resources? I can't imagine that kids would not want a library, but I guess that is why your interviews will bring some valuable information into your project. Good luck in continuing!
Posted by Amy Galloway | March 22, 2009 4:43 PM
Posted on March 22, 2009 16:43
As time consuming as this project is I can't imagine how frustrated you must be. I barely have time to schedule everything that needs to be done. Maybe you should find another group to use if for nothing else but your owb sanity.
Posted by Shannon Mosteller | March 23, 2009 10:40 AM
Posted on March 23, 2009 10:40
As time consuming as this project is I can't imagine how frustrated you must be. I barely have time to schedule everything that needs to be done. Maybe you should find another group to use if for nothing else but your own sanity.
Posted by Shannon Mosteller | March 23, 2009 10:40 AM
Posted on March 23, 2009 10:40
I look forward to seeing how you make sense of the discrepancies in the data.
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Posted on March 25, 2009 15:25
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