Unit 8 addresses the ethical challenges and responsibilities involved in conducting research with students in educational settings. It explores foundational research ethics principles such as respect, consent, and justice, with a particular focus on the process of obtaining informed consent and safeguarding student privacy. The unit also examines the ethical use of student work as research data and emphasizes the importance of protecting anonymity and confidentiality. By the end of the unit, students will be equipped to critically assess the ethical implications of their research decisions and prioritize the wellbeing and rights of student participants.
4. Using Student Work as Research Data
Teachers
often consider using student assignments, exams, or classroom observations as
data. While this may seem convenient, it raises key questions: ·
Was consent obtained for using
this material? ·
Will students be identified or
anonymized in the research report? ·
Is there any power imbalance
that may have influenced their agreement? Ethical
research must differentiate between routine assessment and data
collection for academic purposes.
