Maynooth University Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood
Education Roinn Froebel Don Bhun- agus Luath- Oideachas Ollscoil Mhá Nuad.
Information Sheet Parents and Guardians Who is this information sheet for?
This information sheet is for parents and guardians. What is this Action Research Project about?
Teachers undertaking the Master of Education in the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at Maynooth University, are required to conduct an action research project, examining an area of their own practice as a teacher. This project will involve an analysis of the teacher’s own practice. Data will be generated using observation, work samples, reflective notes and questionnaires. The teacher is then required to produce a thesis documenting this action research project.
What are the research questions?
• How can I create an inclusive and safe environment in order to better support the emotional and social development of the children in my care?
What sorts of methods will be used? • Teacher observation
• Reflective Journal
• Questionnaires and surveys
• Voice recorded interviews and focus groups • Work samples
• Parent journal and/or questionnaires Who else will be involved?
The study will be carried out by myself as part of the Master of Education course in the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education. The thesis will be submitted for assessment to the module leader Dr Bernadette Wrynn and will be examined by the Department staff. The external examiners will also access the final thesis.
What are you being asked to do?
You are being asked for your consent to permit me to undertake this study with your child. In all cases the data that is collected will be treated with the utmost
confidentiality and the analysis will be reported anonymously. The data captured will only be used for the purpose of the research as part of the Master of Education in the Froebel Department, Maynooth University and will be destroyed in accordance with University guidelines.
94
Maynooth University Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood
Education Roinn Froebel Don Bhun- agus Luath- Oideachas Ollscoil Mhá Nuad.
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
I am a student on the Master of Education programme at Maynooth University. As part of my degree I am required to carry out a research project. The focus of my research is based on my own professional practice and how I can support the social and emotional needs of the children in my care.
In order to do this, I intend to carry out research using short term group lessons in the school.
The data will be collected using my own observations, audio recording of interviews and discussion, a daily teacher journal and samples of the children’s work. The children will be asked for their opinions by discussing how they felt about different lessons or activities.
I would also like to invite you to participate in the research process by way of a short questionnaire. You are also invited to participate in a short interview of approximately 10-20 minutes.
Your name, your child’s name and the name of the school will not be included in the thesis that I will write at the end of the research. Participants will be identified as ‘Child 1’, ‘Parent 1’ etc. You and your child will be allowed withdraw from the research process at any stage.
All information will be kept in encrypted files or a locked filing cabinet and information will be destroyed in a stated timeframe in accordance with the University guidelines. The correct guidelines will be complied with when carrying out this research. The research will not be carried out until approval is granted by the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education.
By signing this form, you are agreeing to your participation and your child’s participation in this project.
If you have any queries on any part of this research project please contact me by email at XXX. You may also contact my supervisor, Dr. Suzanne O’Keeffe at XXX. Yours faithfully,
………... Sarah Kavanagh
95
Maynooth University Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood
Education Roinn Froebel Don Bhun- agus Luath- Oideachas Ollscoil Mhá Nuad.
Dear ______________,
I am undertaking the Master of Education programme at Maynooth University. As part of my degree I am doing a research project. The focus of my research is based on my own professional practice and how I can support the social and emotional needs of the children in my care.
In order to do this, I intend to carry out research using a short term intervention in the school.
The data will be collected using my own observations, audio recording of interviews and discussion, a daily teacher journal and samples of the children’s work. The children will be asked for their opinions by discussing how they felt about different lessons or activities.
I would also like to invite you to participate in the research process by agreeing to listen to and share your opinions about research findings.
Your name and the name of the school will not be included in the thesis that I will write at the end of the research. You will be allowed to withdraw from the research process at any stage.
All information will be confidential and information will be destroyed in a stated
timeframe in accordance with the University guidelines. The correct guidelines will be complied with when carrying out this research. The research will not be carried out until approval is granted by the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education.
I would like to invite you to give your permission to take part in this project.
If you have any queries on any part of this research project feel free to contact me by email at XXX. You may also contact my supervisor, Dr. Suzanne O’Keeffe at XXX. Yours faithfully,
………... Sarah Kavanagh
96
Child’s name ……….
I am trying to become a better teacher by helping children to talk
about their feelings and how they get along with other people. I
would like to do some lessons with you, ask you some questions and
listen to you. I would like to write down some notes about what you
have said and show some of your work.
Would you be ok with that? Circle one. YES NO
I have asked your Mum or Dad or Guardian to talk to you about this.
If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them. If you
are happy with that could you sign the form that I have sent home?
If you change your mind after we start, you can decide not to be
part of this at any stage.
97