Unit rationale, description and aim
In addition to constructing a research problem and developing a research design, education researchers must be attentive to the ethical issues involved in research.
In this unit education researchers will examine ethical issues that arise when designing and conducting research by exploring the question: In what ways is ethics important for education researchers? By supporting your moral sensitives related to research and considering issues of applied ethics in educational contexts, students will learn principles, values and conduct relevant to the moral situations that arise in educational research. Additional considerations such as the practical matters of research regulatory contexts and guidelines and research ethics approval processes will also be addressed.
Extending on ideas of professionalism, the aim of this unit is to support the development of the ethical responsibilities associated with being an educational researcher by integrating ideas of educational research with theoretical and conceptual knowledge relevant to ethics and in so doing support the researcher as a sophisticated moral thinker and education researcher capable of conducting projects that meet the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and compliance in education research.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Critically analyse the ethical dimensions of educa...
Learning Outcome 01
Reflect on ethical issues and dilemmas encountered...
Learning Outcome 02
Interpret the regulatory landscape of education re...
Learning Outcome 03
Generate a view of moral issues pertaining to thei...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
Module 1. Introduction to educational ethics
- Introduction to educational ethics
- History of ethical thought
- Applied ethics in educational contexts
Module 2. The researcher as a moral agent
- The researcher as a moral agent
- The role of the education researcher
- Moral sensitives as applied to education research contexts
- Power dynamics and positionality in conducting education research
Module 3. Ethical case studies
- Identifying ethical issues in a research project
- Case studies exemplifying ethical issues in education and education research
Module 4. Regulatory contexts
- Regulatory contexts of education research
- Detailing the ethics application process
- Issues related to the of professional and legal responsibilities of education researchers outlined in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research such as consent, data management, vulnerable participants, and risk
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to demonstrate achievement of each of the learning outcomes. In addition, the tasks represent an opportunity to align with the needs of students and their professional and research contexts. An emphasis on close readings of texts and case studies will support the praxis-based approach taken in this unit. Assessment one is based on the use of case studies to explore situations that might unfold in a classroom or educational research situation. This assessment will provide an opportunity to apply ethical frameworks to real-life situations in ways that address the complexity that educational researchers can encounter. Assessment two will focus on answering the guiding questions from the student's perspective, using the key ideas from the readings to explore and critical apprise issues. The goal of this activity is to help students thoroughly understand the unit content and focus on meaningful consideration of ethical issues researcher will encounter on the design and conduct of a project.
In order to pass this unit, students are required to demonstrate achievement of the unit learning outcomes by submitting all assessment tasks, obtaining a combined final mark of at least 50 per cent, and receiving a passing grade on Assessment Task 1 and 2.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Case Study Analytical discuss...
Assessment Task 1: Case Study
Analytical discussion of contemporary ethical issues presented in an education case study.
50%
Assessment Task 2: Written Task Discussion of et...
Assessment Task 2: Written Task
Discussion of ethical principles when conducting education research.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is based on the principles of adult andragogy and experiential learning which positions adult learners with responsibility for their own learning engaging with content that is enquiry-based, learner-focused and student centred. The learning and teaching and assessment strategies include a range of approaches to support your learning such as reading, reflection, online discussion, webinars, case studies podcasts, workshops, self-directed learning tasks and assignments. At times the unit content will consider controversial subjects or topics. While students are not required to agree with the viewpoints shared by others, it is expected that an approach based on respect and academic inquiry of varying perspectives will be used.