By Chloe Bloom, Florida State University
Buenas, I’m back to share the latest and greatest on my interviewing process! As well as some of the challenges I’ve taken on to get there. Before even beginning my summer, I of course had expectations, a plan for how this whole experience would go. Except it’s hard for what’s mapped out in your mind to go exactly according to plan…
Especially, being in new and unfamiliar territory with lots of factors that are uncontrollable, namely people. Obtaining qualitative data means relying on individuals to recount their own personal experiences. First of all, why share their personal life story with a complete stranger? I didn’t have many connections in Spain and my method for outsourcing participants was through cold-emailing preschools and daycares in Barcelona and the Basque Country. I heard back from a couple in Barcelona while still in Tallahassee, with each morning that I would wake up with an email from a school or parent making my entire day. However, I did not hear from any of the schools in the Basque Country and had some schools in Barcelona tell me they’re too busy or uninterested in participating in my study. I’ve let it roll off my back and that’s because like anything in life putting yourself out there means accepting rejection at times. The IDEA Grant application, did I know that I would actually come out of the process with the financial resources to support my research question? No, but I do believe in manifestation, working towards your goals, and that everything happens for a reason. I had the mindset that if this research question that I have is worth pursuing, then I will get the funds to support it.
Even out of the interviews that I was able to “score”, not all of the parents that had initially reached out to me were unreachable once I actually arrived in Spain. This is honestly what surprised me the most. Expressed interest and then falling off of the face of the earth? I admit I was concerned the first week before having conducted any of my interviews that maybe I wouldn’t have enough participants. While the study is qualitative aka quality over quantity, I still needed a minimum of 8 participants to conclude my study. I had a few lined up with the couple first weeks I had arrived but there were many dates that kept changing. Parents have hectic schedules, I understand this completely and happily adjusted to them, because I was here for them. I had the flexibility to meet at the time best suited for them as long as that time wasn’t never! I even provide the option to parents to do interviews virtually. However, while one of the prospective parents had taken me up on this offer, it was almost impossible to coordinate. The parent would give me one time that they were available due to their busy schedule, then change that time to give me again one option to meet. This would change about four more times, until I politely declined and let them know I would no longer be able to coordinate a time to meet. This was also a little worrisome for me, because all of the parents that I have spoken to have given me such different and extremely valuable perspectives. I didn’t want to miss out on another viewpoint. However, at this point in my study I am excited to announce that I have surpassed the target goal with nine parents interviewed so far, and I may have a couple more lined up! I am especially looking forward to these interviews, as they are parents from additional, one-of-a-kind regions, Tarragona and the Basque Country. Although I will not be traveling to the Basque Country due to not hearing back from the schools or gathering participants through that avenue, I will be meeting with a parent who originates from the region.
Now that I’ve returned to Barcelona from my thrilling travels to Valencia, Seville, and Madrid, Luka my boyfriend has arrived too! We met at Florida State which I still think is crazy, he actually grew up here in Spain. Luka learned Spanish, English, Catalan and Basque in school. I’ve gotten the opportunity to learn a lot more about his upbringing as well from his parents who I got the chance to interview. I’m looking forward to spending time together and having an unforgettable summer of research, fun, and exploration!
Speaking of research, in a recent interview, here in Barcelona, I got to meet with a mom in her home where her daughter showed me their fascinating book collection and even more interesting, the Toniebox. Maybe you’re unfamiliar with what a Toniebox is, I know I was. A Toniebox as well as the FABA, which they also have to use in the car, are essentially music boxes that can play songs when activated by different character toys. Each toy can play songs, get this, in different languages! What an innovative and fun way for children to learn languages through music and engagement! Their library was super resourceful too, including books in Spanish, English, and Catalan even featuring a fart book that had different (good) smells such as strawberry and coffee when scratched, super cute and funny!
All in all, I luckily have been able to find parents that believe in my project and are interested in the results of my study. They’ve expressed that they are invested because they value multilingualism and the benefits it provides for their children. In taking the time to get to know these parents, I’m gathering tons of insight on the materials and methods used by individual, unique families. By the end of my time here, I will have a myriad of techniques that can be shared with parents and of course used in sessions with speech therapy clients to make learning languages fun, interactive, and a piece of cake. The more (languages), the merrier!
Gracias por leer, hasta luego!
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