The Delphi Method for Program Enrichment: A Variation on the Theme

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to illustrate how principles of the Delphi Method were used informally to evaluate and enrich a continuous professional learning (CPL) program. The program was developed to train classroom teachers to use music as support for diverse learners in an inclusive classroom. This paper explains the difference between the 'classical' Delphi method and the applied variant, and describes the method of the variant. As there is no known similar program, the first draft of the program was written by the researcher after a literature study. Experts were selected from different appropriate fields such as music education, inclusive education, creativity and materials development. An open-ended questionnaire was developed and e-mailed to experts, together with the first draft of the program. Responses were analyzed, categorized and incorporated into the program. Only one round was necessary. It can be concluded that this variant of the Delphi method was effective in ensuring that an innovative idea could be turned into a program and made available in a relatively short time to teachers in an enriched, practical format of good quality.