(IMAESCII521) Forum Short Posts: Module 5 and 6 - Quantitative Research, Survey Designs and Questionnaires (Group Work)

(The KYAKA-II Settement Research Team, clockwise from left - Kenneth, Me, Kiko and Justyna. Great Teamwork!)

(Refer to the related post on Modules 5 and 6 HERE.)

In my observation, each group approached the assignment with a different frame of reference. As such, my participation on the forum for these weeks were more to clarify how a dimension and concept be framed together in a study. Should they be regarded differently or interconnectedly? 

In my opinion think it should be the latter. As I mentioned in the previous posts, the theories and concepts provide the backbone in any study and guides the level and dimensions of analysis to be run during the research process. Nevertheless, I am proud of our groups for bravely taking up the challenge. 

There are 3 short posts I sent to my classmates in this module. My notes are in pink!

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PART I 

Re: Group C

by Mc Ronald Ι Banderlipe - Sunday, 21 March 2021, 12:14 AM

Hi Viktoriya and team,

I looked at the concept map and I somehow need to be clarified with the idea of separating the list of needs/barriers on one end and dimensions on the other. Are the dimensions on the right reflect the dimensions of the education system in general? Are they connected (or not) to the perceived needs and barriers of the migrants/refugee students you listed on the left?

Thank you.

 

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PART II 

Re: Group D Presentation

by Mc Ronald Ι Banderlipe - Sunday, 21 March 2021, 12:21 AM

Hi Polina and team,

I love how your team made an exhaustive list of both the needs and the barriers. I would assume that the dimensions and manifestations of these needs and barriers do not necessarily apply solely to migrants or refugees. Yet the way it was enumerated could be a good start to identifying specific dimensions when you do a targeted study of either migrants or refugee learners.

Thanks again. Your team are off to a great learning journey in this research!

 

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PART III

Re: Group B Presentation

by Mc Ronald Ι Banderlipe - Saturday, 20 March 2021, 11:50 PM

Hi all,

I appreciate Helin's comment on 'assimilation'. Although, I would like to digress a bit and share that the earlier intent of the group was to demonstrate that there is process that we have gone through in identifying relevant concepts. We were not keen on identifying the right concepts at the moment because it would require extensive and critical reading not only of the materials provided but also of the primary sources.

But to answer Helin's point. Assimilation in any education activity could be a contentious site of concept and a dimension of analysis. Assimilation as a concept entails that individuals achieve certain observable behaviours and conditions to determine their suitability to adapt to the new environment (in this case, the new classroom, new classmates and teachers). As a dimension of analysis, assimilation is just one of the many aspects that individuals' participation and acquisition learning in an educational setting can be described. As mentioned by Andreas earlier, there are many other dimensions of analysis that can be measured to ascertain whether individuals learn and learn well.

Another caveat however, is that 'assimilation' is used in this quantitative study as perceptually measured. As a researcher, it is important to define this from the very beginning, as it will also affect how will you obtain data to validate it, as well as your other assumptions in your study.

Thank you.