Interpretive Qualitative Research Research Articles

The adaptability and professional development of teachers in bilingual education

This article is part of a common European trend that focuses on the professional development and qualifications of individuals for their employability. The sociological category of “liquid modernity” (Bauman, 2007) as applied to current reality is adopted. Also, the qualitative effects of adaptability (Fernández Aráoz, 2008) as a competence derived from the business world are considered with the following aim: to account for the potential value of adaptation for the ongoing professional development of teaching specialists in bilingual education. Using qualitative-interpretative research, content analysis is performed for an in-depth treatment of data obtained from a heterogeneous sample of in-service teachers. This is done by means of questionnaires and life stories. Results reveal the status of the components of adaptation, articulated by informants as adaptive capacity features and adaptability attributes. The values presented show that adaptive capacity has low structural potential, while there is a lack of balance in adaptability attributes. Finally, guidelines and remediation strategies are offered to agents, institutional bodies and teacher trainers, responsible for the professional development of bilingual teachers.

Patients’ appraisals about a multicomponent intervention for fibromyalgia syndrome in primary care: a focus group study

ABSTRACT Purpose To assess fibromyalgia patients’ experiences and appraisals about a multidisciplinary intervention programme, in Catalonia’s primary care, regarding its format and contents, benefits, and health impact in the short and long term. Method Qualitative interpretative research design through hermeneutic phenomenology perspective. Two focus groups discussions were conducted in February and July 2020. The purposive heterogeneous sample included 19 fibromyalgia patients who attended a multicomponent programme. In addition, thematic analysis on the verbatims was performed. Results Findings were organized into five main domains with an explanatory theme each. Overall, the informants valued the programme as a positive experience due to its holistic approach, health benefits, suffering relief, group effect, and fibromyalgia legitimacy promotion. Detected improvable aspects focused on extending the timeframe, including family members as beneficiaries, deepening the thematic contents, and getting regular access to this healthcare service. Furthermore, the intervention was considered feasible to be incorporated into usual clinical care. Conclusion the programme fulfilled users’ expectations about results and procedure and showed promise as a treatment strategy to reinforce the usual practice. Our findings suggest a broad perspective on fibromyalgia patients’ suffering, which urges us to adjust the intervention programme to their real health needs.

Activities and characteristics of instructional school leadership from the perspective of elementary school principals

This paper shows results of an empirical study on characteristics of instructional school leadership conducted on the sample of 30 Croatian elementary school principals. Two research questions were asked: 1. How elementary school principals describe and comment instructional school leadership activities that they conduct in their schools, observing them from their own role’s perspective and instructional goals that they want to achieve and 2. How elementary school principals describe and experience circumstances that have an impact on initiation and implementation of previously described instructional school leadership activities. In regards to set questions, elementary qualitative interpretative research approach was used. Data was gathered using written interview, whereas the results of thematic content analysis revealed two key thematic categories: the list of most conducted instructional school leadership activities and key interactions of principals during the implementation of instructional school leadership. Variabilities in the implementation of instructional school leadership in several aspects were observed, out of which key instructional school leadership’s contents and outcomes focused on the strengthening of students’ and teachers’ capacities are singled out as well as roles and principals’ relationship in interaction with various subjects.

CIRCLE DANCING IN THE EVERYDAY LIFE OF THE ELDERLY PERSON

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the everyday life of the elderly person who practices circle dancing. Method: a interpretative qualitative research based on Comprehensive sociology and the daily life. Data collection occurred between September 2016 and March 2017 through in-depth interviews and participant observation. There was a total of 20 participants, with 17 of them practicing the dancing and three circle dance leaders in the Basic Health Units of a municipality in southern Brazil. Data analysis included preliminary analysis, ordering, key links, coding and categorization. Results: two thematic categories emerged: The daily life of the elderly person; Experiencing circle dancing in everyday life. The daily lives of the elderly are involved in domestic activities, family care, volunteer work, community groups and physical activities. The elderly expressed that circle dancing brought changes, made them more balanced, calm, cheerful, attentive, interactive, with pain relief and improved family and social relationships. Conclusion: circle dancing in the daily life of the elderly person causes emotional, physical, social and, mainly, family changes in their everyday way of living, making them more positive, loving and sensitive, healthier, it also contributes to health promotion and a better quality life.

“What we see and what we hear:” Combining children’s drawings with child and educator interviews to assess child well-being in Child Support Grant (CSG) beneficiaries in South Africa

ABSTRACT Child well-being is particularly relevant to South African social workers given the country’s high rates of violence, poverty, inequality, unemployment, HIV/AIDS, and poor schooling outcomes. Guided by a social constructivist theoretical lens, and located within an interpretive qualitative research design, the aim of the study was to determine whether children’s drawings and teacher interviews can differentiate qualitatively between children with positive well-being and those with compromised well-being. Children aged 6–8 years whose parents/caregivers were recipients of Child Support Grants (CSGs) were asked to draw a picture of themselves and their families and teachers were asked about the children’s functioning. Findings from triangulation of drawings and interviews suggested that while a firm diagnosis of emotional, behavioral, or cognitive disorder could not be reached, it was possible to differentiate between children with positive well-being and those whose well-being appeared to be compromised by developmental delay, learning difficulties, emotional problems, behavioral problems, and/or social issues. It is therefore recommended that social workers make greater use of children’s drawings and educator interviews as assessment tools. However, one should not rely solely on children’s drawings, but should rather combine drawings with child and educator interviews. Findings also highlight the need for South African social workers to develop indicators that are culturally and ecologically applicable to African children.

Trauma, psychosocial factors and coping mechanisms among first-generation Rwandan refugees living in Zambia

This paper explores trauma, psychosocial factors and coping strategies among Rwandan refugees in Zambia. Using a qualitative interpretative research design, 22 participants were purposively selected from the townships in Lusaka. Two focus group discussions for males and females were conducted. The discussions were audiotaped, transcribed, coded and analysed based on the objectives of the study. The findings indicate that Rwandan refugees have experienced adverse traumatic encounters as a result of atrocities witnessed during the 1994 genocide. The findings also show that the journey to Zambia was punctuated with challenges and inhumane treatment. The study revealed that participants resorted to social support, religious, spiritual, cultural beliefs and practices as their coping strategies. These offer insightful resources for policymakers and future research.

From hopelessness to some hope: A qualitative interpretive research project to improve birthing experiences in Jordan

BackgroundMany women living in Middle Eastern countries report negative, dehumanising experiences of childbirth. Finding effective ways of changing maternity care to improve women’s experience is needed but is challenging. AimThis paper explores the potential strategies to improve birthing experiences of women in Jordan and identifies the facilitators and obstacles to change. MethodA qualitative interpretive research design underpinned by a feminist approach was used. Seventeen community women, 14 midwives and midwifery leaders were engaged in workshops and face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis undertaken. ResultsAn overarching theme “From hopelessness to some hope” emerged from data analysis and comprised of two themes: ‘It’s hopeless-there are so many obstacles’; and ‘Finding some hope for the way forward’. The community women were unhappy with the current maternity services but accepted the situation. Midwives offered explanations for the way women are treated, including that women have no voice. For these participants, the obstacles seemed almost insurmountable; however, there was some hope expressed about potential for small changes to occur. ConclusionsThis study highlights the value of women and midwives sharing experiences and listening to the stories of women. Listening to women’s birth stories may also be an important element of undergraduate and continuing education in Jordan. Small changes, such as promoting women’s dignity by ensuring they are covered during birth are possible, but real change needs to be generated at a professional and societal level.

CRITICAL LITERACY, RESIGNIFICATION OF READING IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND RESCUE OF CITIZENSHIP

This study is directed to describe and analyze two literacy events from the narratives in the university context to understand how literacy and resignification of reading in Foreign Language occur. Therefore, the objective is to provide literate practices based on the tales of local writers and to promote citizenship and rescue local culture. The scientific work was supported by a qualitative interpretive research of an ethnographic value that was configured in interventional action research and integrated a master's project in applied linguistics, and then a doctorate. The instruments were elaborated according to the researched context, in this section was the descriptive memorial. The research shows that events of critical literacy in English from a social perspective supported by the genre short stories can favor literate practices based on the tales of local writers and foster citizenship and rescue local culture.

‘I don’t want to think about it’: Psychosocial experiences of road traffic accident survivors in Ghana

IntroductionRoad traffic injuries are among the top ten traumatic events that affect the psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life of survivors. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of road traffic accident survivors in Ghana, a low-middle-income country in sub-Saharan Africa. MethodsThe study adopted an interpretive qualitative research design. Thirteen (13) participants were purposively selected from the Accident Centre of the largest public teaching hospital in Ghana. Data collection employed in-depth face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured guide. Data analysis occurred concurrently using thematic analysis methods. The right to participate or withdraw from study was protected. FindingsThree major themes deductively generated from the research were cognitive experiences, affective responses and social experiences of Road Traffic Accident survivors. Nearly all survivors of road traffic accidents experience repetitive episodes of intrusive thoughts, nightmares, anxiety and other extreme emotions suggesting post-traumatic stress, which is often unrecognized. ConclusionImmediate reactions of survivors of road traffic accident are affected by their experiences, accessibility of support, and the responses of the larger community. We propose that a focused assessment and management of accident survivors for post-traumatic disorder be included in existing care modalities to promote a holistic care and recovery for survivors.

Educación en tecnología como paradigma didáctico, innovador e inclusivo en el marco del COVID-19

El estudio consistió en desarrollar un modelo didáctico, innovador e inclusivo para el desarrollo de la educación en tecnología mediante la construcción de objetos tecnológicos en educación media, para responder a la pandemia de COVID 19. Teóricamente se sustentó en Morín (2006); Moreno, Tezón, Rivera, Durán, y Parra (2018); De Zubiria (2014), entre otros. Se adoptó el paradigma cualitativo, investigación interpretativa y social, la metodología se desarrolla a través de tres fases. Los informantes claves lo formaron 5 docentes del área de educación para el trabajo, se les aplicó entrevista no estructurada focalizada y registro de sesiones de trabajo. Se concluyó que la relevancia de concebir al docente como mediador del proceso para el desarrollo creativo y descubridor, es parte del desarrollo de la innovación. Se demostró la importancia de seguir aportando conocimiento para fortalecer en el desarrollo del pensamiento tecnológico en educación, además de la permanente formación en la búsqueda de las didácticas más idónea para la construcción de objetos tecnológicos.

Práticas multiletradas potencializadas com uso das tecnologias digitais no contexto do Profletras /Região Centro-Oeste

Este artigo analisa práticas multiletradas viabilizadas com uso das tecnologias digitais pelos docentes de língua portuguesa (LP), egressos das turmas 1 e 2 de duas unidades de pós-graduação stricto sensu Mestrado Profissional em Letras (PROFLETRAS), situadas na região Centro Oeste do país. A busca pela melhoria das capacidades de letramentos dos estudantes de escolas brasileiras, na atualidade, traduz um dos desafios aos docentes que ingressam, sobretudo, no PROFLETRAS, dadas as amplas modificações nas práticas comunicativas. A pesquisa referencia-se nos princípios do método qualitativo-interpretativista (BORTONI-RICARDO, 2008). O corpus de análise compõe-se dos recortes de produções multiletradas viabilizadas como requisito do trabalho de conclusão (TC). Os dados da pesquisa apontam para a necessidade de o PROFLETRAS, as escolas e os professores de LP se atentarem para estudos das possibilidades de inserção das tecnologias digitais, com vistas a refletir sobre as concepções de língua/linguagem em tempos contemporâneos, em que outros perfis de leitor/escritor multiletrado caracterizam-se uma das exigências da atual sociedade.

Enchantment in Business Ethics Research

This article draws attention to the importance of enchantment in business ethics research. Starting from a Weberian understanding of disenchantment, as a force that arises through modernity and scientific rationality, we show how rationalist business ethics research has become disenchanted as a consequence of the normalization of positivist, quantitative methods of inquiry. Such methods absent the relational and lively nature of business ethics research and detract from the ethical meaning that can be generated through research encounters. To address this issue, we draw on the work of political theorist and philosopher, Jane Bennett, using this to show how interpretive qualitative research creates possibilities for enchantment. We identify three opportunities for reenchanting business ethics research related to: (i) moments of novelty or disruption; (ii) deep, meaningful attachments to things studied; and (iii) possibilities for embodied, affective encounters. In conclusion, we suggest that business ethics research needs to recognize and reorient scholarship towards an appreciation of the ethical value of interpretive, qualitative research as a source of potential enchantment.

Games as STEAM learning enhancers. Application of traditional Jamaican games in Early Childhood and Primary Intercultural Education

Background : Despite its social importance, the learning associated with STEAM thinking (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) we consider is not fully developed in classrooms. Objectives : This research proposes to promote STEAM skills through game-based learning.. Design : These were used to design an integrated educational proposal, called the Micro Play Project (MPL), following the principles of game-based learning and an intercultural approach focused on Ethnomathematics. Setting and Participants: This MPL was implemented in a Spanish school with small groups of students from Pre-school and Primary Education, dedicating three sessions to each of the four games, which were recorded on video. Data collection and analysis: Studying the Jamaican culture, we discovered that the game is a relevant cultural sign in Jamaica, we compiled and analyzed its traditional games, generating a catalog, from which we selected four games, for their potential to develop STEAM learning at school . Qualitative-interpretive research was carried out through a case study and content analysis, using a proprietary tool. Results : they are diverse skills, artistic, scientific and mathematical manifested when playing, such as: musical sense, detection of similarities, ability to turn, identification of shapes, estimation of distances, formulation of hypotheses and establishment of relationships by criteria, which have confirmed the didactic potential of these games, in an environment of ethnomathematical intercultural education. Conclusions : The validity of the MPL as a didactic method to develop STEAM learning is deduced from the results. We hope to strengthen and spread this method by making new elaborations and applications of MPL.

Wind energy counter-conducts in Germany: understanding a new wave of socio-environmental grassroots protest

ABSTRACT The rapid expansion of wind farms in Germany has spurred debate over the environmental impacts of the Energiewende, the country’s plan to transition towards renewable energy sources. We explore the opposition to two wind farms in central Germany by local civil initiatives through the Foucauldian notion of counter-conducts and a related Analytics of Protest Framework. Employing qualitative interpretive research methods, including 27 semi-structured interviews, we examine how wind energy critics navigate practices and rationalities governing wind energy expansion in the context of the Energiewende. We argue that critics challenge imperatives of environmental protection and energy justice, while at the same time reinforcing them. Struggles over wind energy manifest as struggles over the legitimate object of environmental protection and the ethical constitution of an environmental subject. Landscapes, both as habitats and scenery, gain impetus as the central tenet in the ecological agenda of wind energy opponents.

Fraud prevention and detection practices in the perspective of Jember Regency internal auditor

This study aims to understand the practice of fraud prevention and detection by government internal auditors in Jember Regency. This study uses interpretive qualitative research methods with an ethnomethodology approach. Data collection was carried out through interviews with six supervisors/auditors as key informants. The results of this study show that fraud prevention by the Jember Regency internal auditor is carried out in the consulting activities and reviewing the work plan and budget (Rencana Kerja dan Anggaran, RKA) of Regional Government Organization (Organisasi Perangkat Daerah, OPD). The detection of fraud by the Jember Regency internal auditor is carried out through regular audits and community complaint services, where the community complaint service will be explored by the Jember Regency internal auditor by conducting a special inspection. Thus, the results of this study show that the government's internal auditors have an important role in fraud prevention.

Owner capabilities in social infrastructure projects: towards an expansion of the dynamic capabilities’ framework

PurposeThe project organising literature has increasingly paid attention to the dynamic capabilities required for the development of projects. The current research aims to expand the dynamic capabilities framework by including owner capabilities required throughout the whole project life cycle.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses an interpretive qualitative research approach. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with the key actors of a social infrastructure project.FindingsThe findings suggest that the expansion of the dynamic capabilities framework to include owner capabilities required throughout a project life cycle could positively impact the success of a project. “Transformational capabilities” are recommended to enable the owner to overcome challenges and lead the evolution towards project organisations that are capable of transforming its outputs into beneficial use.Originality/valueExisting research on dynamic capabilities does not address the particular challenges of social infrastructure projects such as housing. The current research fills this gap by exposing the challenges experienced by owners in the development of certain capabilities and their impact on the performance of a project.

Display Instagram @starbucksIndonesia : Stimulus Masyarakat Konsumsi Pada Gerai Starbucks Central Park Mall

Penelitian ini melihat media sosial instagram @Starbucks inndonesia sebagai display dalam menarik masyarakat untuk membeli produk. Teori yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah teori Masyarakat Konsumsi yang dikemukakan oleh Baudrillard. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian kualitatif interpretatif dengan pendekatan post-modern Baudrillard. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan studi literatur dan observasi teks pada media sosial instagram Starbucks Indonesia. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa masyarakat kita sekarang ini sudah menjadi masyarakat yang konsumtif dengan adanya internet sebagai media baru penyampai pesan terutama display yang menarik perhatian pelanggan. Adanya perkembangan media baru, aktivitas masyarakat kita kini tidak lepas dari media sosial khususnya Instagram yang saat ini mempunyai lebih dari 61 juta pengguna aktif hingga akhir November 2019. Masyarakat yang memfollow akun instagram Starbucks Indonesia, bisa mendapatkan informasi yang diberikan dan tertarik dan ingin membeli produk yang sedang ditawarkan terutama pada season tertentu.

Dynamic Ideology of Traditionality in Developing Holy Places at Hindus Family in Cakranegara Territory Mataram City

This study aims to examine the dynamics of traditionality ideology in building holy place among Hindus families in Cakranegara territory, Mataram city. This research was designed in the type of interpretative qualitative research using a case study model. Data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data were analyzed through the stages of classification, reduction, and interpretation. Tri angulation techniques, both tri angulation methods and tri angulation of data sources were used to check the validity of the data. The results showed that the dynamics of traditional ideology in building holy place of Hindu families had been indicated by transformation of cultural traditions at Hinduism practices in four dimensions. First, the position of placing the holy place later no longer applies traditional concepts in a rigid and standard manner. Second, with regard to the spatial size in the construction of holy place in at Hindu families is no longer fixed on the size of the spatial layout that is traditionally applied but adjusted to the situation and condition of karang paumahan (area of home). Third, the form of holy has adapted to the inclusion of external culture. Fourth, the number of pelinggih (holiy place buildings) tends to decrease, especially in the relatively small area of home.
 Keywords: dynamics, traditionality ideology, holy place, Hindu families.

Oportunidades de aprendizagem vivenciadas por professores ao discutir coletivamente uma aula sobre padrões e regularidades

In this paper, the results of a research that aims to identify and understand how professional learning opportunities emerge when teachers collectively discuss and analyze a lesson involving patterns and regularities in basic school are presented. The study was developed from the perspective of a qualitative-interpretative research and data analyzed consists of protocols for the resolution of formative tasks, audios and videos collected during the teacher education process for in-service teachers. The results of the study show that professional learning tasks enable teachers to discuss students' and teaching knowledge about patterns and regularities. It was observed that the format of these tasks, containing records of practice, combined with the actions of teacher educators during collective discussions, favored the participants to differentiate and understand the students' reasoning processes, such as the use of tabular representation in understanding algebraic thinking. Finally, the relevance of the learning opportunities that teachers experienced when they validated and rethought, together with the class teacher herself, the choices and decisions made by her during her class was also identified.

Unraveling the impact of cultural distance on IT outsourcing success – insights from three major sourcing reconfigurations

PurposeIT outsourcing (ITO) has developed into an established practice for organizations but the interorganizational and oftentimes international collaboration it involves comes at a price: Reports from academia and practice suggest that more than 25% of all ITO projects fail, many because of cultural differences between client and provider organizations. Against this background, this paper analyzes the complex nature of cultural distance and its multi-faceted effect on ITO success.Design/methodology/approachThis paper builds upon extant literature on culture on the national, organizational and team level, conceptualizes its effect on relationship quality and ITO success, and hypothesizes a model on potential moderators and management techniques to offset culture-induced challenges. It then evaluates and refines the model by means of an interpretive qualitative research design for an in-depth single-case study of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE (P7S1), a leading European media company that reconfigured its IT sourcing model three times in 10 years.FindingsThe results from interviews with top managers from client and provider organizations represent one of the first integrated views on the critical importance of cultural compatibility on multiple levels, provide manifold examples for its complex effect on ITO success, as well as moderators and potential management techniques to promote ITO success.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper contributes relevant empirical insights to the growing body of literature on culture and its underestimated role in ITO success. It builds on tentative theory that is confirmed and refined.Practical implicationsThe paper helps in substantiating the complex and intangible nature of culture and demonstrates means for its effective management.Originality/valueThe results from interviews with top managers from client and provider organizations represent one of the first integrated views on the critical importance of cultural compatibility on multiple levels, provide manifold examples for its complex effect on ITO success, as well as moderators and potential management techniques to promote ITO success.