Discussion of program evaluations in educational institutions reports on the use of focus groups in the evaluation of a program of school library education at the University of Alberta (Edmonton, Canada). Topics include self-study, a literature review, and reflections on models of professional education. (Author/LRW)

Reviews focus groups as a way of determining community opinions and explains how to use them. Designing a focus group series, conducting the group, and reporting the results are described, and examples are given of focus groups in educational change. (SLD)

A study of two racially diverse urban schools revealed that boys are chief teasers and bulliers and that teachers seldom intervene. A proactive curricular approach that explores differences, examines the meaning of courage, involves students in rule making, and promotes friendships across ethnic and gender lines is suggested. (10 references) (MLH)

For college admissions and publications officers, a focus group of college-bound high school students can offer quick, anecdotal information about the general effectiveness of recruitment materials as well as about specific messages, themes, or design approaches. The insights gained by one publications specialist through the use of focus groups…

Developed a needs-assessment model and validated the model with five groups of stakeholders connected with an undergraduate university nursing program in Canada. Used focus groups, questionnaires, a hermeneutic approach, and the magnitude-estimation scaling model to validate the model. Results show that respondents must define need to clarify the…

Describes use of faculty focus groups to develop strategies to increase the representation of women in senior levels of the medical faculty at Monash University (Australia). The approach resulted in "faculty ownership" of affirmative action and an implementation plan that has high priority and incorporates various stakeholder groups.…

Uses focus group data (groups of 7, 12, 8, and 5) to examine how cross-subject matter groups of elementary and secondary New York state teachers respond to state-level testing as a way to change their classroom practices. The analyses highlight the nature of the tests, professional development for teachers, and the rationales for and consequences…

A study explored the perspectives of nine participants engaged in a specific person-centered future planning model for individuals with disabilities and their families. Focus group themes included: evolution of person-centered planning circles or teams, inhibitors to the person-centered planning process, supports to the person-centered planning…

Conducted focus groups with 37 high school students receiving mental health services, 24 students not receiving services, 28 parents, and 47 therapists, administrators, and health care staff to gauge the quality and effectiveness of an expanded school mental health program. Identifies effective aspects of the therapy and discusses implications for…

Reviews four essential factors to consider in a school marketing plan: the message, the audit, the committee, and the time frame. Argues that central to developing a marketing plan is the creation of focus groups composed of a diverse cross-section of the community to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the school. (JDI)

This article describes using collegial conversations to consider assistive technology (AT) and evaluate its impact. A self-study process is used to engage educators in a series of conversations about AT outcomes. Four topics structure the conversations: AT and human performance, AT considerations, AT service delivery systems, and accountability…

Describes a study of returning adult women students enrolled in distance education programs. Results of focus groups showed five general categories of needs: communication with the instructor; interactions with other students; technical assistance; campus support services; and personal needs, including the support of family and employers.…

Three focus groups were convened, consisting of 11 mothers of elementary-age students with various disabilities. Mothers viewed friendship as both an important and a worthy end in itself. Nine peer-specific friendship goals for friendship development were identified, along with 3 broader goals to which friendship was perceived to contribute.…

This study investigated changes in student attitudes toward computing in three different university introductory computing courses. Describes the attitude survey used and discusses the results of interviews and focus groups that were held to better understand why attitudes changed in one course but not the others. (Author/LRW)

Investigated the perceptions of African-American students at a predominantly white college about race in the mentoring relationship. Data from focus group discussions indicated that faculty mentoring helped students adjust to college and to the dominant culture. Faculty race was not as important in the mentoring relationship as was being in the…