FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION
The focus group discussion is one of the best method in gathering potential partners or stakeholders as spearheaded by a trained leader. Opinions of participants in this method are heard, wherein each are given the chance to exchange ideas and agree on the desired plan of project to happen. What transpired in the discussion are transcribed and reviewed to bring a strong relation to the organization and to the potential partners or stakeholders as well. Open communication is relevant in Focus Group Discussion.
The Pascual Villanueva Elementary School and the Pasay City Special Education Center embraces the FGD (Focus Group Discussion). The best practices to ensure that each school project will be materialize are as follows:
- Choose a trained leader or facilitator.
- Have a definite plan of projects that are functional with a specific date of target and approval from the school principal.
- Have a list of potential partner/s or stakeholders.
- Send a letter to the potential partner/s or stakeholders for a meeting.
- Be guided with the steps in handling the meeting with the invited potential partner/s or stakeholders.
- Before the meeting
- Decide on the meeting particulars.
- Prepare your project proposal.
- Recruit your team members.
- Review the arrangements.
- During the meeting
- Welcome everyone present.
- Thank them for coming.
- Start the meeting on time.
- Explain how the meeting will proceed and how members can contribute.
- Set the tone by asking an opening question and making sure all opinions on that question are heard.
- Ask further questions in the same general manner.
- When all your questions have been asked, ask if anyone has any other comments to make.
- Be open for opinion and suggestions.
- Agree on what the school can provide in return for their generosity
- Confirm the agreed proposal project and its contribution to the school
- Reiterate the value of each in the meeting.
- Thank the group for coming!
- After the meeting
- Make a transcript or written summary of the meeting.
- Provide a copy for everyone present in the meeting.
- Make a follow-up when needed.
- Be responsible for the turn-out of the endeavor.
- Set for another meeting after the review/implementation of the project (when needed).
With the above best practices on Focus group discussion, the essence of success appears by using this method. A continuous partnership and linkages with potential partners or stakeholders are extremely noteworthy in every school. The sense of trust in extending help that can be gained from potential partners or stakeholders is a manifestation of shared partnership. The shared partnership with a trust can make a learning institution a great place in providing quality education that is accessible to all diverse group of learners. The trust of potential partners or stakeholders to Pascual Villanueva Elementary School and the Pasay City Special Education Center are truly and highly valued, to keep the bond of continuous partnership for another fruitful future plans of projects ahead.