Volunteer Qualitative Research Lead: Focus Groups & Thematic Analysis for Leading Environmental and Education Organization with CEEV Živica

This is an opportunity to work with an Ashoka Fellow Ashoka Fellows are leading social entrepreneurs that have been taken through a rigorous selection process, testing the quality of their ideas and character, to become part of the Ashoka Fellowship and Network. Ashoka Fellows take on the challenges of building innovative system change ideas to make and spread social impact in a world wrought with challenges. They refuse to let the ‘impossible’ stand in their way to creating a better world.This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunityAbout The Affiliated OrganizationCEEV Živica is one of Slovakia’s leading environmental education organizations. Through its platform Hurá von! (“Let’s Go Outside!”), it has been inspiring teachers for six years to integrate outdoor learning into everyday teaching practice. The organization supports experiential, practical, and wellbeing-oriented education models and is now seeking deeper research into the motivational impact of outdoor learning.For more information, please visit https://www.huravon.skJob DescriptionCEEV Živica is seeking a researcher to design, facilitate, and analyze focus groups exploring the impact of outdoor teaching on:Students’ intrinsic motivation to learn Teachers’ intrinsic motivation to teach Overall wellbeing and classroom dynamics Development of practical 21st-century skills The Organization Has Already Conducted Internal Surveys And Now Wants Deeper Qualitative Insight. The Goal Is To Generate Rigorous Qualitative Findings ThatClarify whether and how outdoor teaching influences intrinsic motivation Identify mechanisms behind motivational shifts (movement, exploration, teamwork, experiential learning) Assess perceived wellbeing benefits Strengthen communication and advocacy efforts Inform program development and future strategy EducationThe findings will help CEEV Živica refine its approach and better promote outdoor education as a modern, practical, and healthy methodology. The volunteer researcher would:Design a focus group framework for teachers and students Develop discussion guides aligned with the research questions Facilitate focus groups (online or in-person, depending on logistics) Record, transcribe, and code discussions Conduct thematic analysis Identify patterns related to intrinsic motivation, wellbeing, and skill development Produce a short research summary with key insights and recommendations Optionally connect findings to relevant literature (e.g., experiential education, self-determination theory) This Research WillProvide deeper evidence for the motivational impact of outdoor education Support advocacy for healthier and more experiential learning models Help scale and strengthen the Hurá von! platform Contribute to broader European discussions on outdoor learning The findings may influence educational strategy and policy conversations in Slovakia.Volunteer LogisticsEstimated hours required per week: 5The estimated duration of the project is: 3-6 monthsThis position requires being on-site periodically in Bratislava Slovak Republic but also allows for some work to be completed virtuallyThe office can provide amenities to volunteers such as: Local travel expensesLanguage RequirementsEnglish; SlovakDesired Skills And ExperienceThis opportunity would be ideal for: A PhD student or postdoc in education or psychology A qualitative research specialist An educational consultant with research experienceRequired ExperienceExperience running focus groups Strong qualitative research and thematic analysis skills Background in education research, educational psychology, or motivation theory Familiarity with intrinsic motivation frameworks (e.g., Self-Determination Theory) Ability to translate qualitative findings into actionable insights Slovak language skills preferred