SoTL Series 3 – Navigating Ethical Considerations in SoTL Research

Presented by: RGASC, UTM

When instructors conduct SoTL projects involving their own students, they step into a dual role as instructor–researcher, which brings with it specific ethical considerations that are unique to doing research in teaching and learning contexts. This workshop supports those in our teaching and learning community at UTM who are curious about studying their teaching but are new to navigating research ethics processes and the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS2). This session will first explore how to distinguish research from reflective practice or quality assurance, and whether approvals are required from U of T’s Research Ethics Board. Next, participants will explore how to recognize and mitigate power relationships and conflicts of interest when students are research participants, and how to design consent, recruitment, and data practices that protect student welfare during their participation in SoTL research projects. This workshop is intended for faculty, instructors, and educational staff who are new to SoTL or have limited experience with human research ethics processes.

Learning Outcomes:

After this session, participants will:

· Differentiate SoTL research from reflective practice and quality assurance activities in their own courses and identify when REB review is required. · Explore ethical considerations related to instructor–student power relationships in their SoTL projects and identify strategies to mitigate ethical risks.

· Consider whether or in what ways, students are a vulnerable research participant group.

· Identify potential data sources for a SoTL question (e.g., existing coursework, surveys, focus groups, institutional data) and specify how they will address privacy, and confidentiality.

Registration