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Nominal Group Discussions > Variations for Low Literacy Adult Groups
Variations for Low Literacy Adult Groups
- Ask a question, have the group think silently for a minute or two, and then take turns to answer. Stick to the round-robin rule to ensure every person gets a turn. Repeat the process until all the questions are asked. (This process is very similar to individual in-depth interviews, except there is less time to tell their story in detail.)
- As people talk, the facilitator should write down their points on the flip charts. Even though some may not be able to read what is written, it is still a visual affirmation that their input is being heard and recorded.
- Loosen the process of eliminating duplicates and rank ordering. The process may be too complicated and arduous for some. As an alternative, the facilitator could eliminate duplications as items are being recorded on the flip charts. If a person brings up something that has already been shared by someone else, wait till they have finished talking, then make reference to the similar point that has already been recorded. Ask the person who just shared if it is similar to what they said. If they agree it is the same fear/frustration/anxiety/etc., thank them and put a mark by that item to indicate that more than one person mentioned it.
- If possible, get the group to vote on several items that are most important to them to be resolved. Ask them to make a mental note of the important items as you read them aloud. Then re-read the list and ask them to raise their hand when their important item is mentioned. This is an imperfect process, but will still offer some insight into what items are priorities for the group.
- Another way to identify priorities it is to make a judgement call based on observation - heads nodding in agreement, increased intensity of discussion among the group, repeated issues - are all clues to the level of felt need. Based on your observation, mark the items on the list that you observe were most disturbing issues for them. This method, however, is the least preferable way of prioritizing needs, and should be used only as a last resort if all else fails.
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