Teacher Learning in a Community of Practice: A Case Study of ...

In this study, the criteria for the selection ofthe teachers included their (lack of) EMS
teaching experience, their commitment to the teaching ofthis learning area, and their
commitment to participation in the TEMS project.
After the initial workshop, eleven teachers committed themselves to the TEMS project.
It was important for me to earn the trust and respect of teachers and to develop a mutually
-satisfying relationship with each one ofthem. Gaining access to teachers' lives and work
had to be built on trust and mutual respect. This proved to be crucial when it came to
gaining access to teachers' classrooms.
4.5.5 Triangulation
The use ofthese multiple data collection methods has merit. Denzin (cited in Mouton
1996: 167) coined the term 'triangulation' to refer to multiple methods ofdata collection
which complement each other, thereby balancing out their respective shortcomings.
Merriam (1988:69) argues that"... the rationale for this strategy is that the flaws ofone
method are often the strength ofanother, and by combining methods, observers can
achieve the best ofeach, while overcoming their unique deficiencies". However, Patton
(1980:330) asserts that there is "no magic in triangulation", that is, the researcher using
different methods should not expect findings generated by different methods to fall into a
coherent picture. A similar criticism ofthe romanticism associated with the concept of
triangulation is presented by McFee (1992). He argues that while triangulation between
methods compares two research solutions to a single problem in an effort to validate
outcomes, it is premised on the claim that both methods are investigating the same thing.
". " there is an intimate connection between methods and issues, so one cannot
triangulate between methods unless one can be sure that both (or all) ofthe methods
address the same issues" (ibid.:217).
4.5.6 Reflexivity
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