From Protocol to Practice: Methodological Reflections on Focus Group Research

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Abstract

Focus groups are a valuable method for gathering rich insights from participants, yet their design and analytic methods are often underreported in education research. In this methodological paper, we detail the iterative development process of focus groups used to explore middle school students’ perspectives on and experiences with a mathematics instructional approach (BLINDED). Drawing on a review of literature and our piloting process, we outline how we designed and refined our protocol and analysis process. We offer practical recommendations for iterative reflection, creative structuring, and transparent reporting of focus groups. We hope to support education researchers in effectively designing and implementing focus groups. By sharing our reflections and recommendations, we provide a roadmap for rigorous focus group methodology in education.

Authors

• Megan Botello, University of Delaware

• Elena Silla, University of Delaware

• Srujana Acharya, University of Delaware

• Christina Areizaga Barbieri, University of Delaware

• Amanda Jansen, University of Delaware