Group Level Assessment Methodology as a Liberating Structure Within Qualitative and Participatory Research

Abstract

Group level assessment (GLA) is a qualitative and participatory research-to-action methodology designed to engage a large group of relevant participants throughout the research process. As originally conceived, a single GLA session is led by a trained facilitator who guides the participants through seven structured steps: climate setting, generating, appreciating, reflecting, understanding, selecting, and action. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the 25-year trajectory and uses, contributions as a liberating structure, and adaptations of GLA.