A Mock Focus Group Discussion As a Multi-Purpose Hands-on Classroom Practice

Becoming a qualitative researcher means both acquiring methodological knowledge and learning to navigate the dynamic fieldwork of qualitative research. One needs to be able to make methodology-grounded decisions “on the spot” and balance numerous challenges emerging in the field. Therefore, “learning by doing” has become my preferred approach when teaching qualitative research in social research methodology modules. However, depending on a study field and pre-defined module characteristics I could not always engage students in any extensive practical learning. As a result, I have developed several tasks that can be implemented in the class but at the same time allow experiencing multiple aspects of qualitative research practice in general and a chosen method in particular. The mock focus group task entails all the constitutive elements of preparing and conducting a real-life discussion, from the choice of a topic to an analysis exercise and short reporting. It combines classroom work and independent individual or group work. Students are assigned certain roles (e.g. moderator(s), participants, observer(s), taker(s) of fieldnotes). Each student implements the role and later prepares a methodological reflection on it. An extensive multi-layered reflection session concluding the task provides students with an opportunity to connect their previous knowledge about the method, their experience practicing it, and emerging implications about the reality of qualitative fieldwork. The framework of the task allows for diverse adaptations depending on particular needs. For example, it could mirror an inter-cultural or muti-language qualitative research context. In the presentation, I share the mock focus group discussion task, describing its procedure and reflecting upon its value for the student learning outcomes.