Run a strengths-based student focus group using open-ended, neutrally framed questions about learning from home¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The brief describes a concrete inquiry method: convene students across grade spans in a virtual focus group and ask open-ended questions about both the challenges and joys of learning from home. The opening question "is framed neutrally, opening the door for students to share both positive and negative experiences," setting a student-centered tone and creating a jumping-off point for deeper questions about safety, support, and connection.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Identify a time and space where students feel safe and supported sharing, obtain consent for recording, and be transparent about how responses will be used

Constraints¶

• Designed to elicit what was positive about learning from home rather than emphasizing what did not work

Target Learners¶

• K-12 students across elementary, middle, and high school

Target Learning Goals¶

• School climate improvement; understanding student experiences of learning environments

Related Strategies¶

• Engage student voice through safe sharing spaces, assumption removal, active listening, co-creation, and co-designed action plans
• Engage students from the start via a screening questionnaire followed by card-sorting and mock-up focus groups
• Using Empathy Interviews for Family Engagement

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Mosley, J., & Valdez, A. (2022). Learning from young people about how safe and supportive conditions at home can inform school climate. Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety at WestEd. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED621228