Conducting Focus Groups with Students in School-Based Settings

Allison Karpyn, PhD

Introduction
Given the variety of programs seeking to engage students at school—including after-school programs, nutrition programs, school design projects, and others—knowing how to effectively conduct focus groups within the school community can support the development of such initiatives, making them more culturally sensitive and relevant to target audiences.

Focus groups are powerful tools for understanding the nuances of group interaction. They also function to interpret given programs, projects, surveys or messages. Often used in the development, refinement or evaluation phases of interventions, programs or projects, focus groups provide information from the target audience perspective, positioning the respondent as an expert (Heary, 2002).

This article intends to offer practical advice on conducting focus groups in school-based settings. Schools offer a unique setting with a host of challenges and benefits different from a traditional focus group facility. This praxis includes aspects of recruitment, timing, materials considerations, and group design suggestions.

Pre-Planning Considerations

Arranging the Group

Designing a Focus Group Guide

Conducting the group

Unexpected Events

Application

Conclusion

References/Resources