SoTL ethics and research
Ethics in research are a set of principles that guide researchers to conduct their studies responsibly, safely, and with integrity. In Canada, the Tri-Council Policy Statement V2: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS-2) outlines a continuing commitment to promote the ethical conduct of research involving humans.
The scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) often involves research with human participants and requires a plan for obtaining informed consent, safeguarding privacy, and treating research participants with dignity throughout the entire research process. According to Hutchings (2003), carefully considering the ethical aspects of SoTL research not only helps prevent potential harm to participants but also allows researchers to reflect on their roles and the principles that drive their work.
Unique ethical challenges with SoTL research
Many of us who conduct SoTL research play dual roles as teachers and researchers. In some cases, our study participants may also be our students. When conducting SoTL research in our classrooms, it is necessary to prioritize our students’ learning, regardless of whether students are directly involved in our research. Here are a few helpful resources to help you explore the unique challenges and ethical implications for doing classroom-based SoTL research:
For support with ethics for SoTL research, feel free contact us for a consultation.