Page 118 - TWO OF A KIND • Erik Renkema
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CHAPTER 5
The recordings, written artefacts and the participant reports were subjected to content analysis by various coding techniques in two coding cycles. The content analysis was structured based on topics related to our research question (concepts, motives, values, design requirements, evaluation). In the first cycle, In Vivo Coding and Values Coding were used. In the second cycle, categories were described following the process of Pattern Coding (Saldaña 2009).
In the first cycle, we indicated codes in our data. In the second cycle, we searched for categories in the codes. With regard to the topic of values, we found e.g. a category of values related to school identity, and a category of values related to religious education. With regard to reliability of the analysis, we used two kinds of control: first, the second author performed the coding process independently; where differences occurred, a discussion took place between the two authors to reach consensus. Minor adaptations in coding and in the formulation of the conclusions were made. Second, the results of the analysis were presented at the participating school. This did not lead to adaptations.
6. Results
In the following sections, we present the results of our analysis of the data that are generated in the four sessions with the group of teachers.
6.1. Core values of the school
Our coding process resulted in six categories. Teachers emphasize that these categories of values overlap at some points.
a. Child-oriented.
The school guide focuses on children’s own responsibility and independence. The development of their “personal path” (school guide 2014-2018, 5) and their “personal values and norms” (school guide 2014-2018, 5) is an explicit objective of both Christian and general education. It is also worth noting that the school guide mentions that asking questions is important for childhood development in general and in Christian education, whereas the teachers do not indicate this to be a primary characteristic in educating students.
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