Case study employs different techniques and instruments of collecting data such as the questionnaires and interviews. In most cases the researcher is interested in determining the extent to which respondents hold a particular view or perspective regarding issues raised through these techniques as a means of gathering data.
3.4.1 Questionnaires
A structured questionnaire was employed as a means of gathering data. This method ensures an adequate dialogue between the researcher and those they interact with in order to collaboratively construct a meaningful reality through the analysis and interpretation of the data gathered.
3.4.1.1 Advantages of Questionnaires
The responses are generated in a standardised way.
The responses are likely to be objective
It is generally quick to collect information using questionnaires
It is potentially likely that information can be collected from a large portion of a group.
3.4.1.2 Disadvantages of Questionnaires
Questionnaires usually occur after the event so in most cases the participants may forget the important issues.
The questions are standardised so at times it is not possible to explain the situation the way the respondent would like to.
Open-ended questions can generate large amounts of data that can take long to process.
Respondents may answer superficially if the question is too long.
The questionnaire was sub-divided according to different headings such as the respondents profile, teacher accountability, views on the implementation of IQMS, the role of SDT/DSG, and the role of school leadership in mediating IQMS. The sub-heading will be beneficial in the interpretation of the data collected and will enhance the question of reliability.
The total number of two schools in Soweto participated in completing the questionnaire. In school A, five educators completed the questionnaires. In school B, six educators completed the questionnaire, making a total of eleven.
The questionnaires are likely to provide the researcher with the answers responding to the rationale. Therefore, the structured questionnaires will be appropriate for this study because of the anticipated rich data collected from the two schools.
3.4.2 Interviews
A case study seeks to probe deeply into a research setting in order to obtain a general understanding about the way things are, why they are that way, and how the participants in that context experience, perceive and make sense of it. One of the most effective techniques used in a case study to collect data through direct verbal interaction between individuals participating in a research is through an interview. The theoretical framework defines the research problem and the specific interview questions follow the trajectory and boundaries set by the theoretical framework.
The study employed interviews as a means of gathering data. The interview is a conversation between the interviewer and the respondent wherein the researcher seeks to have in-depth information about the subject in question, and questions are asked in relation to IQMS. Face-to-face and semi-structured interviews allow the respondents freedom to talk about issues which might highlight unexpected insights on the subject.
The interviews were conducted on site and the researcher was in the position to collect the responses personally or by tape recording, which afforded the researcher an opportunity of verifying what had been written.
3.4.2.1 Advantages of interviews
The main task of the interview is to understand the meaning of the interviewee.
The interview seeks to cover both factual and meaning level.
The interview is particularly useful for getting the story behind the participants’ experiences. The interviewer can pursue in-depth information around the topic.
It is useful for further investigation (McNamara, 1999).
3.4.2.2 Disadvantages of interviews
There is no brainstorming therefore there is less creativity in the responses.
It is expensive to administer and it is time consuming.
It is expensive to analyse many transcripts and tapes.
The responses at times are overly rationalised and do not properly reflect the emotions.
The interviews were structured around the issue of the role of leadership in mediating IQMS at school level, that is, how the leadership at school level engages with challenges emanating from all the facets of policy mediation and the dynamics that unfold with the interpretation of such policies such as IQMS in particular. The interviews were guided by the theoretical framework in its analysis of how educators construct IQMS, that is, how they perceive it, how they talk about its rationale and its implementation, and how they understand it in their different contexts.
3.4.3 Document analysis
Document analysis refers to the process of using any kind of document such as memoranda, minutes of meetings, working papers, and drafts of proposals. These documents describe functions and values and how various people define the organisation (McMillan & Schumacher, 2010). Documentary analysis can be used as a singular method of research or as a supplementary form of inquiry.
In this research it is used as a form of supplementary inquiry. The main purpose of documentary analysis is to increase knowledge and understanding of a particular setting. The researcher had access to all the minutes of the meetings wherein all IQMS processes and procedures were discussed. However, reliability and validity are central concerns in documentary analysis.
3.4.3.1 Advantages of document analysis
The data never alters and can be subject to the analysis.
Document analysis is unobtrusive.
Events can be compared over time and cultures.
In most cases, it gives an expert understanding.
It is cheap to administer. There are few costs involved.
Document analysis does not depend on the availability of participants.
3.4.3.2 Disadvantages of document analysis
It is suitable to evaluate users opinions needs.
Some documents may not be available due to sensitive issues contained in them which may be classified.
At times documents are not current and the evidence may be out of date.
The subject is open to bias and subjectivity.
The documents may not be accurately recorded.
Availability of documents may be limited.
The process can be laborious, tiring and time-consuming.
Documentary analysis is used to review all the relevant documents in relation to the processes and procedures of IQMS in these schools. This method brings a different dimension in data collection because it offers a comprehensive yet concise method of gathering data that can explain some hidden aspects of the subject. However, at times it involves a lot of written materials intended to be objective statements and facts.
Records of staff meetings will be requested from the two schools as well as records of staff development conducted by both the SDTs and the DSGs, as well as meetings between the DSGs and the rest of the teachers.