Put the results to work.
The purpose of student focus group research is to develop new knowledge about
how to improve student success and student investment in learning. The real
payoff comes in putting the results to work. Here are some examples of changes
decision makers have made at Jessamine County Public Schools, based on student
focus group results:
- After the 1998 focus groups, the school board decided not to place a uniformed
safety officer in each school. Instead, the board and the administration took
a number of other steps to improve student safety. The superintendent described
the changes to the community in a special story in the widely read weekly newspaper.
- After the 1999-2000 focus groups, educators shaped their all-important two-year
Consolidated Plan toward changing teaching practices in order to meet students'
interests in more powerful, engaging learning experiences.
- The 1999-2000 focus groups also served as one basis for a bold change in
the way physics is taught at West Jessamine High School. Educators, students,
and scientists outside the school have begun developing a "Break the Mold"
Physics class that will take place in a combination classroom-museum called
"Newton's Attic." Working with a noted Kentucky scientist, students
will design interactive displays for the museum. For the first component, students
in a regular physics class – not an advanced class – will work with
a team of engineers to design a glide rail, so that learning about such topics
as force, distance, and motion can become more compelling.
As more schools complete student focus group research, expect to see more and
more of these kinds of high-impact changes in policies and practices. The main
value of the research is in its application to important problems, challenges,
and opportunities relating to student learning.
Next: Appendices
