Grounded Theory Coding Challenge: Build a Theory in 15 Minutes! by zahra akasha

What main idea ties the codes together?

zahraakashaa — 2025-10-18 01:43:36 UTC

Open Codes: finding short labels for what’s happening in the data

zahraakashaa — 2025-10-18 01:43:36 UTC

form a short statement or “mini theory” that explains what’s happening in the data

zahraakashaa — 2025-10-18 01:43:36 UTC

How might using grounded theory help educators better understand student experiences (like online learning or classroom engagement)?

zahraakashaa — 2025-10-23 00:31:47 UTC

micahhmacleod — 2025-10-23 21:42:38 UTC

- uncertain and overwhelmed

- loss of structure

- time management struggles

- using planners

- developing independence

micahhmacleod — 2025-10-23 21:43:20 UTC

developing self-regulation and coping strategies for online learning

micahhmacleod — 2025-10-23 21:44:41 UTC

Students started off feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated using online learning during lockdowns, but over time they learned to manage their time, stay organized and become more independent.

micahhmacleod — 2025-10-23 21:51:07 UTC

This type of theory design can help educators better understand the student experience because it is based on real experiences and student voices, and real problems that they are facing. I think by analyzing what students actually say and do, during online learning for example, can help educators make lessons/ strategies that are more useful for their actual needs, compared to theoretical needs.

2025-10-23 23:33:55 UTC

Navigating home and school responsibilities
Student burnout
Time management

2025-10-23 23:39:36 UTC

Effective time management helps students balanced responsibilities and avoid burnouts

2025-10-23 23:43:34 UTC

- Lack of structure/boundaries

- Developing coping strategies (reminders, breaks, rewards)

- Ongoing struggle with focus and engagement

2025-10-23 23:44:22 UTC

Students navigated a shift from structured school routines to self-directed learning, developing new strategies to manage their time, and motivation within an unstructured environment.

2025-10-23 23:45:15 UTC

When students were faced with the sudden loss of routine and support during online learning, students gradually adapted by building self-regulation skills and personal coping strategies, building a process of growing independence mixed with ongoing challenges in motivation and focus.

2025-10-23 23:45:54 UTC

Using grounded theory allows educators to see patterns emerging directly from students’ voices, rather than imposing assumptions. It helps teachers understand how students adapt, struggle, and grow in real-world contexts like online learning.

2025-10-23 23:46:18 UTC

Student are feeling the pressure of navigating their school and home responsibilities. They are expressing the overwhelming impacts online school is having on their well being and academic success, while coming up with some coping strategies to stay motivated.

2025-10-23 23:55:11 UTC

Grounded theory can help educators gain insights about their students. Through observations of how students interact with each other in the classroom, educators can identify meaningful ways students engage in learning and how they manage challenges pertaining to their learning and learning environment, which can help educators implement inclusive pedagogical practices grounded in the truths of students lived experiences.

LEE

leemartin8 — 2025-10-24 00:55:48 UTC

-Initial disorientation and stress

-Developing of strategies

-Environmental and Family challenges

-Developed strategies and self-regulation

-Growth over time

LEE

leemartin8 — 2025-10-24 01:01:36 UTC

From instability to autonomy: students' adjustments to unexpected shifts to online learning during states of emergency.

LEE

leemartin8 — 2025-10-24 01:07:01 UTC

During unprecedented times, students transition from disruption to confusion to the formation of coping strategies, and eventually to self-regulation and adaptation.

philipgilroy — 2025-10-24 01:08:10 UTC

student stress
time management challenges
lack of structure
seeking accountability
distractions of remote learning
coping strategies
student growth

philipgilroy — 2025-10-24 01:10:30 UTC

Students utilized coping strategies to build structure and accountability into their remote learning experience

philipgilroy — 2025-10-24 01:11:45 UTC

Structure and accountability positively impact students' learning experiences

LEE

leemartin8 — 2025-10-24 01:12:23 UTC

Grounded theory assists teachers in transitioning from casual observations to a structured, theory-based understanding of student experiences. It uncovers how students adapt, self-regulate, and demonstrate resilience, helping create more adaptive and student-centred teaching methods.

philipgilroy — 2025-10-24 01:20:30 UTC

Grounded theory could help educators better understand student experiences because it is a research approach that requires flexibility/open-mindedness.

In this format, the issue is not being examined through a pre-conceived cause-and-effect relationship. By using student voice directly, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of student experiences in context, providing an opportunity to uncover connections or relationships that may not have been considered beforehand.

Miranda

2025-10-24 01:39:09 UTC

- uncertain and overwhelmed

- no boundaries

- time management issues

- staying accountable

- strategy development

Miranda

cathem2 — 2025-10-24 01:42:06 UTC

- lack of structure

- difficulties with focus

- adaptation and growth

Mithusa

shanmum9617 — 2025-10-24 01:43:12 UTC

regaining control
growth mindset
self-awareness

Mithusa

shanmum9617 — 2025-10-24 01:49:26 UTC

Developing emotional self-regulation skills to monitor, evaluate and regulate emotions to achieve personal or academic goals.

Miranda

cathem2 — 2025-10-24 01:53:00 UTC

Students initially experienced disruption and difficulty with the transition to online learning. Through the use of strategies and adaptations, many were able to overcome challenges and build skills to increase their independence, focus and productivity.

Mithusa

shanmum9617 — 2025-10-24 01:55:04 UTC

Students develops resilience through their awareness, mindset, and actions. This then helps them become more focused on their goals.

Miranda

cathem2 — 2025-10-24 02:00:50 UTC

Grounded theory helps explain a holistic process involved in aspects of student learning through the words and actions of authentic human experiences. It evolves to consider new aspects as the data emerges. It is excellent for informing policies that can lead to meaningful change.

Open Codes

2025-10-25 00:56:54 UTC

- low motivation

- lack of structure

Core Categories

2025-10-25 00:59:49 UTC

The main idea that ties my codes of low motivation and lack of structure together is that a loss of external structure (drastic change in daily life due to covid) leads to decreased motivation motivation and difficulty in self-regulation.

Mini Theory

2025-10-25 01:01:57 UTC

The sudden loss of external structures during the shift to online learning disrupted stsudents' routines, leading to decreased motivation and challenges with self-regulation. Over time, some students developed personal strategies to rebuild structure and regain a sense of control over their learning.

2025-10-29 23:36:30 UTC

Fear

Boundaries

Conflicting duties

Adapting to change

Learning to adapt to change in a stressful environment.

2025-10-29 23:39:03 UTC

Exploring coping strategies and boundaries.

Learning how to manage time, space and have self-discipline

When practicing self care and self disciple, students were able to cope and manage the stress during unprecedented times.

2025-10-29 23:41:58 UTC

Grounded theory design is a great way to explore students learning in a disrupted, emotionally charged time. With very little prior knowledge on a situation such as learning online during Covid, grounded theory design is a way to get first hand observations and from lived experiences.

2025-10-29 23:46:10 UTC