The early learning of English as a foreign language by hearing ...

6The author reviewed curriculum modifications undertaken in three German federal stateswith experts experienced in the field. Additionally, the author addresses whethercollaboration is a real possibility and whether country- or Europe-wide educational standardsshould be adopted. Table 2 introduces guidelines for the interview and offers an overviewand details of the central questions.Conduct of the InterviewsThe material presented in this research paper is considered qualitative material. The aim ofthe qualitative material presented herein is to be used as an illustration and not to make anysort of empirical claim. (Helfferich 2005,152) The author uses a sampling of three individualsfor the research and uses a guideline developed by the CCSS principle: Collecting ofquestions, checking the list of questions according to different aspects, sorting the questionswith regard to content, and subsuming the individual aspects. This model helps to assure thebasic principles of openness and at the same time provides a necessary structure. (Helfferich2005,161ff.; translation of the CCSS principle by author)In each example, the author picked experts who worked on the curriculum modifications. Theauthor’s choice of expert was dependent upon different circumstances in different federalstates. For example, in North Rhine-Westphalia, one expert handled the modification forhearing-impaired pupils as part of a joint working group. This working group consisted ofexperts for all special needs categories. In Baden-Württemberg, one expert was chosen onthe basis of her cooperation in the state-wide working group and because she had publishedan article on the subject. The third expert was one of a two-person Bavarian work team.Through an introductory letter explaining the framework and the content of the thesis, theauthor asked the experts to participate in an interview. The author made subsequentcontacts with the experts either via telephone, e-mail or in person. The author transcribed theaverage one-hour long interviews afterwards. The transcriptions are part of the original thesisin German (Royle 2008).