The Delphi method

 

The Delphi method is a structured, iterative process used to gather expert opinions and achieve consensus on a specific topic. When applied to competency analysis for a specific occupation like elementary school teacher, it can help identify the key competencies required for effective performance in that role. Here's how it can be applied, along with the principles of the method:

---

🔍 Overview: Delphi Method for Competency Analysis (Elementary School Teacher)

1. Purpose:

To identify and validate the core competencies—knowledge, skills, and attitudes—essential for elementary school teachers through expert consensus.

---

🧭 Step-by-Step Application

Step 1: Define the Scope and Objective

• Objective: To determine the essential competencies of elementary school teachers (e.g., pedagogical skills, classroom management, emotional intelligence).

• Participants: Select a panel of experts—experienced teachers, principals, teacher trainers, curriculum developers, and education policymakers.

Step 2: First Round – Open-ended Questionnaire

• Experts are asked open questions like:

  • "What competencies do you believe are essential for an elementary school teacher?"

  • "What skills should a teacher have to effectively manage a classroom?"

• Goal: Collect a wide range of ideas and perspectives.

Step 3: Data Analysis

• Responses are categorized and synthesized into a comprehensive list of competencies.

• Redundant or overlapping items are grouped.

Step 4: Second Round – Rating or Ranking

• Experts are given a structured questionnaire with the list of competencies from Round 1.

• They are asked to rate (e.g., on a Likert scale) or rank the importance of each competency.

Step 5: Feedback and Iteration

• Aggregate results are shared with the panel (e.g., mean scores, areas of agreement/disagreement).

• Experts are asked to reconsider their responses in light of group trends.

• This continues for 2–3 rounds until consensus is reached.

Step 6: Final Competency Framework

• A refined and prioritized list of competencies is finalized.

• These competencies can be grouped under domains such as:

  • Instructional Competence

  • Classroom Management

  • Assessment Literacy

  • Emotional and Social Intelligence

  • Ethical and Professional Conduct

---

📌 Key Principles of Delphi Method Applied

Principle	Application in Context
Anonymity	Experts give opinions independently, reducing influence or bias.
Iteration	Several rounds allow experts to refine their views.
Controlled Feedback	Summarized results are shared without revealing identities.
Statistical Aggregation	Quantitative data (ratings) supports decision-making.

---

✅ Benefits for Elementary Teacher Competency Analysis

• Draws from diverse, experienced perspectives.

• Builds a validated, evidence-based framework for teacher training, recruitment, and evaluation.

• Ensures that the competencies are contextually relevant (e.g., to Indonesian primary education).

---