Introduction
Hi, I’m Ricardo Jonathan, an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, and I’m doing some research for a user research class through the School of Information. Thanks again for taking the time to come chat with me, but before getting started, I wanted to go over a few logistical details.
For context, the purpose of my research is to understand the biggest problems for students in working on group work for class. I’m interested in hearing about your personal experiences with working in groups, whether it’s for a class that you’re currently taking or one that you’ve taken in the past.
This shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes, and it’ll primarily be in the form of me asking one-on-one questions. For the record, we’re going to be recording this and everything you say will be confidential. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, you are under no obligation to continue. That is, you may leave any time. Also, if you would prefer not to be recorded, we can accommodate.
So before we jump right in, do you have any questions?
Three Rapport Principles
Make repeated explanations (e.g. reiterate “Like I said, I’m interested in learning more about your experiences with group projects for class…”)
Restate what participants say
Don’t ask for meaning, ask for use
Native language questions
(Direct Language Type) What would you consider a “tool” for collaboration?
(Hypothetical-interaction type) How might members of a project group address one another?
(Typical-sentence question) Could you use collaboration in a sentence?
Three grand tour
How does your group organize to work?
Mini tour: You mentioned everyone gets together for the first time to schedule and exchange contact information. Can you describe how this first meeting unfolds?
Mini tour: Can you describe what challenges your group encounters when organizing? Where does your group usually like to work?
Mini tour: X setting was mentioned as your primary choice when working together. Could you describe how engaged the group is in this setting?
What kind of group work is usually done?
Mini tour: Could you describe what challenges you encounter for this kind of group work?
Mini tour: Could you describe when a tool comes into play for this kind of group work?
Five mini tour (See Above)
Mini tour: You mentioned everyone gets together for the first time to schedule and exchange contact information. Can you describe how this first meeting unfolds?
Mini tour: Can you describe what challenges your group encounters when organizing?
Mini tour: X setting was mentioned as your primary choice when working together. Could you describe how engaged the group is in this setting?
Mini tour: Could you describe what challenges you encounter for this kind of group work?
Mini tour: Could you describe when a tool comes into play for this kind of group work?
Screen sharing on zoom
Five example questions
Give examples of any useful tools that have helped when coordinating with a group
Give an example of a difficulty that can arise when engaging with a group
Give an example of something that you have done to facilitate better teamwork
Give an example of a way in which you think Canvas could be improved
Give an example of a favorable quality in a team or teammate
Five experience questions
Tell me about the most effective team you’ve ever worked with
Tell me about the least effective team you’ve worked with
Tell me about a time when you were frustrated with group coordination software, e.g. conferencing, document sync, etc. Why was it frustrating?
Describe a time when a team you were working with wasted a lot of time. How could you have mitigated this?
Describe a time when you had act as a leader in a group
Wrap up
So that’s all of the questions I had! Thank you again for your time, we really appreciate your insights and experiences. Do you have any other questions? Awesome, have a great day!