A Mini Mini Ethnography

Abstract

Since I first taught methods in graduate school, students have consistently requested more hands-on experiences prior to their senior research projects. In response, I have developed a series of labs, discussion issues, and field work exercises that can be integrated into a variety of social science research methods courses. Drawing on Wolcott’s (1990)...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Ethnography

Resource Type(s):

Assignment

Class Level(s):

College 200

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

As stated in the abstract, the collection offered here should be integrated into an instructor’s lecture and discussion schedule and paced appropriately. While I encourage any instructor who finds this assignment series useful to make it their own, I have included a resources document that offers the following information:

1. A general purpose...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will develop qualitative methods skills through hands-on application. By integrating labs, discussion, and a final portfolio, students can build on what they learn and correct problems before final completion.
2. Students will gain a better understanding of the "messiness" involved in ethnographic work through the development and implementation of a series of qualitative tasks.
3. Students will assess their work throughout the term in order to gain an appreciation for the rigor of qualitative work. This includes assessment of their research question as well as their role as a researcher.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. The final individual portfolio will illustrate student ability to organize the otherwise "messiness" of qualitative work, analyze preliminary findings, produce preliminary research, and assess next steps.
2. Lab exercises and the included worksheets require students to report on group work and demonstrate understanding of concepts. Such reports will also allow for instructor feedback to improve on execution for the final submission.
3. Offering occasional discussion sessions gives students an opportunity to orally present their work as it develops. These "support sessions" encourage ongoing analysis and accountability in the classroom.