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Review the data collection procedure and tips
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Leading this Activity
After guiding the youth team through the options available to them for data collection and helping them make a decision, you will now assist and guide them throughout the data collection. As the youth near the middle of their CNA, they could feel tired and lose momentum.
Review the data collection procedures and tips
Bumps in the road are a natural part of completing a project with a team. This is most likely a new experience for the youth, which means there is much to learn.
Some issues will be an easy fix, while others might not even have a solution. This is why it’ s important to document the project so the team and future teams can learn from their mishaps. Be honest about issues, mistakes, and misunderstandings.
In the case that the participants do not fully complete a task during data collection, such as leaving answers blank or unfinished, giving less-than-desired answers in interviews, and not speaking in focus groups, still take the information you collect. While you should encourage participants to participate fully, you can ’t force participation. Try your best to collect as much data as possible but understand that not every participant may provide complete data.
The following are some additional reminders and tips to keep in mind as the youth review the method and data collection procedures they decided on in the previous chapter.
It is alright if changes are necessary along the way; the team should be comfortable with their methodology and process. However, circumstances can change, and new approaches may be necessary as they encounter challenges. Find out what works for the youth team and what will help them accomplish their goals. Encourage youth to work together and support each other. Remind them to have good attitudes, encourage teammates, and offer a helping hand when needed. Have them check in on each other. Make sure everyone understands the plan and implementation. If teammates are confused or lost, review and answer questions. Remind the youth of their timeline, so teammates know how to pace themselves and when deadlines are. If the data does not support their original plan for the rest of the CNA, that’ s fine. Rather than following the team ’ s own expectations, they should follow what the data says.
