The nature of qualitative research is one of discovery and personal connections
and would be difficult to anticipate the direction of the interview. Therefore, there were
instances when the researcher asked supplemental questions that were relevant to the
study. These unplanned follow up questions help the researcher gain a better
understanding of the subject or delve into another area or topic that may be relevant. The
researcher recorded the contents of the interview to allow for transcription. In order to
provide depth to the study, multiple observations of classroom instruction were
conducted using a detailed observation tool (Appendix C). This tool was based on the
Partnership for 21 st Century Skills’ (P21) five areas of 21 st century learning context
(2007) which consist of:
Integrating higher-order thinking skills and technology tools all learning
activities
Making content relevant to students’ lives
Bringing the world into the classroom.
Connection to the world of work
Creating opportunities for students to interact with each other, in
authentic learning experiences.
To create a more practical and efficient observation tool, the five areas were then divided
into the three major elements needed to create an effective 21 st century integrative
curriculum and learning environment- the 3 R’s. Rigor, describes the higher order
thinking skills that are outlined by major agencies that advocate 21 st century education,
such as the Partnership for 21 st Century Skills. Rigor was also examined more closely as
it related to the overwhelming vision of the school and its ability to articulate this goal to
the staff. Relevance indicates the instructional context in which the skills must be
integrated. In this case, problem based learning or real world applications were
investigated as the platform to facilitate these important skills. Resources, describes the
instructional technology tools used in the classroom that increases engagement and
understanding. The teacher’s role overarches all these competencies in that he/she must
design and facilitate this learning environment. The researcher identified specific
characteristics that are ideal in the integrating of the 3 R’s. All of the areas in the
observation tool have been compiled from national standards organizations, such as the
International Standards in Technology Education (ISTE) and the Partnership for 21 st
Century Skills.