OK, so I am behind the times with this post because I didn't see it on the schedule until now.
A focus group would be very useful in figuring out what kind of research needs to be done. I like the idea of a focus group raising the right questions. I can see myself using focus groups when I am trying to narrow topics for my dissertation. These groups would be useful for me to see if the issues I'm seeing are the same issues that students are seeing. They would also be helpful for me to get real-life concerns that my students have in the reading or writing process rather than simply going on my perceived concerns. It would also be helpful to gather information on how useful students feel reading and writing classes are. If they feel they are a waste of time, then I might research ways to make them more relevant to students. If the students already see the need for them, then I wouldn't want to waste my time doing the research.
I would also like to use focus groups as an informal way to get feedback on my classes. I'm not sure how to do them without students feeling that they can't speak freely (since I would most likely be the one running the groups). It would be helpful to get feedback from more than just the survey we give students at the end of the semester. I'll have to figure out ways to do this so that students really do feel comfortable sharing and don't fear that they will get a lower grade because they say something bad about me or my teaching. It would be nice to get honest answers so I can really improve on what happens in the classroom.
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I agree that a focus group about my class would be a cool way to get feedback, but you are right that it is totally problematic in the way that students would feel beholden to us as teachers. It seems to me that you are pointing to one of the things that is best about focus groups - the ability to really give participants voice and often a sense of buy-in. So often researchers control the questions and flow of ideas (even in interviews) but focus groups offer at least an opportunity for subject/participants to control where the research is headed. This could be a great heuristic for the researcher, you are totally right.
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