Chapters in Books (DCMSS)

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Developing a research instrument for learner-centered classroom observations
(African Minds, 2008) Kapenda, Hileni M.; Torkildsen, Ole E.; Mtetwa, David; Julie, Cyril
Although most researchers prefer to adapt or modify existing instruments that relate to their field of interest, t11e exercise still remains overwhelming and cumbersome. But, occasionally, a need arises for creating a new instrument for a specific purpose. Tllis chapter shows that the process of designing and constructing a research instrument can be challenging and frustrating. The chapter also focuses on some of the significant personal experiences of tile lead author's struggle and long journey in the construction of a research instrument for her thesis on learner-centred education in Namibian schools. The main objective for the chapter is to provide some advice to the reader, and especially to an emerging researcher, about the challenges of designing a new research instrumenL Considerations about how and why certain decisions have to be made at certain stages become important matters for discussion.