The Use of an Observation Proforma during a School-based Physical Activity Programme: Exploring the Researchers’ Insights

Abstract

This research paper aims to present an observation proforma; a qualitative research tool used to evaluate a daily physical activity (PA) programme initiated in primary schools as part of a national pilot project in Malta. The observation proforma, grounded in an inquisitive approach, enabled the researchers to observe, document data, and engage in a comparative analysis exercise within the context of an ethnographic study. Simultaneously, this paper aims to explore the development process of the observation proforma by a group of researchers to contribute to qualitative academic literature. An online questionnaire was used as a self-reflection technique for the researchers to examine and reflect upon the use of the proforma. Findings revealed that the developmental phase of the proforma was instrumental, fostering discussions among researchers and refining it for specific research goals. Feedback from the researchers indicated that the proforma aligned effectively with the overarching research objectives and was described as a well-structured prompt, offering both autonomy and a platform for insightful reflections. This paper underscores the significance of the proforma as a versatile tool, offering a structured yet autonomous framework for qualitative analysis within the context of PA initiatives such as the one underpinning this research study; Fun Fit 5.

Keywords:field research, Fun Fit 5, non-participant observation, observation methodology literature, observation proforma, physical activity programme, qualitative research

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-32-01

Publication date: November 30^th 2023