Ethics form for research proposal and defence presentation

Ethics Form

Consent Form

I ____ fully give my consent to participate in the research study that is being conducted on improving the Australian educational curriculum on this day of ____. I attest that I am of legal age of consent to enter such decisions and am doing so of my own free will. I acknowledge that I am of sound mental capacity to: understand the possible benefits and risks of participating in such a study. Those subjects who are of Aboriginal or non-English speaking cultures will be given special considerations, to help accommodate the various cultural and language barriers. All information will be kept in strict confidence and all records will be stored under a lock / key at all times. The only people who will have access to this information are: the Chief Inspector. I am aware that all personal information collected and stored will only be used as part of the research study. I further acknowledge that all group meetings and focus groups will recorded for research purposes. All attempts will be taken, to ensure the psychological and physical well being of: all subjects are being accounted for. The purpose of the research has been explained to me about the possible risks and discomforts. I understand the intention of the research study and the consent form that has been presented to me. Therefore, I knowledge and understand that I am entering this research study, of my own free will and have the right to not participate in the proceedings at any time.

Section Two Research Proposal

2.1 Research question purpose or aims of the project.

As the economy of Australia is being impacted by globalization, this has been creating a change in the demographics of the population. For the education system, this means that the curriculum must be adapted to reflect these changes and to keep the nation economically competitive. To determine how to achieve these objectives various aims will be examined during the study to include examining: the history of the education system, where it currently ranks, the demographics of the young population, how it is being impacted by globalization and what tools / tactics can be utilized to adapt to these changes. At the same time different, questions will be asked to help focus the overall efforts of the research. The various questions that will be asked as part of the research include:

1. The impact that a change in curriculum would have on the Australian education system?

2. Would this help to better prepare Australians for specific challenges they face in the future?

3. Are these changes in curriculum offering quantifiable results?

Once the different research aims and questions have been answered, is when you will be able to see how the curriculum of the education system needs to be adapted, to reflect these challenges.

2.2 Outline the research design and/or the nature of the project.

The research design that will be utilized is qualitative and quantitative research. This is when you are analyzing the different sources of information, to see the effect upon the different participants. While quantitative research is when you are collecting and analyzing the views of various individuals through a sample study. This will help to provide a more balanced view, as to the overall scope of the problem and what are the various effects on all sides. The will ensure that the research being conducted, is objective as possible when looking at the issue.

2.3 Outline the value and benefits of the project.

The value / benefits of the project would be to identify specific issues that are affecting the education system and possible solutions that could be utilized. This will help the teachers and administrators, be able to effectively utilize their limited resources as effectively as possible. As far as the community is concerned, this research will help to make the local economy as competitive as possible, by ensuring that the workforce is highly educated / specialized. These are necessary to remain competitive in a world that is demanding specific skill sets, for various positions. This will benefit the discipline of study, by ensuring that educators know how to adapt the curriculum to the changes that are taking place. The literature review will help to identify what specific issues are affecting curriculum and what tools / tactics can be utilized to address what is occurring.

2.4 Despite the value and benefits of the project, outline the burdens and/or risks (if any) of the project to your research participants and/or other people and the details of how the Chief Investigator will respond to such risks

The burdens to risk participants will be protected by not asking respondents for any kind of personal information. At the same time, any kind of data that may be obtained during the process of conducting the research will be placed, under the control of the Chief Investigator. This person will have the responsibility of addressing the various ethical / privacy issues that could affect participants. ("Information Privacy Principals," 2010)

Section Three Participant Details and Recruitment

3.1 Give the number of intended research participants.

NA.

3.2 (a) From where will the research participants be recruited?

NA.

(b) How will research participants be recruited?

NA.

3.3 If you are going to utilize a database as an information source, have you established that the participants named on the database, have given their details to be used for research purposes?

Yes [ ] No []

3.4 How will you obtain a research participant's agreement to be involved in your research?

Consent form. This will be used as an agreement between researchers and participants. Where, this will clearly define: how the information will be used, it ensures that the safety of participants is protected during the study and this allows respondents to drop out of the study at any point in time. At the same time, individuals will have access to all of their personal information that was collected. This is in line with the Principals of Privacy and Freedom of Information Act. ("Information Privacy Principals," 2010)

3.5 How will you be protecting the research participants' confidentiality?

NA.

3.6 (a) Is it possible that your research gaining informed consent from research participants such as: minors, people in dependent relationships, the mentally ill or unconscious patients?

Yes [ ] No [x]

(b) Please provide details on how the research participant's rights will be protected?

NA.

3.7 (a) Is it possible that some of your participants will be from Aboriginal or from non-English speaking backgrounds?

Yes [ ] No []

(b) Please provide an explanation for your response above if Yes of No.

NA

3.8 Does your research involve the collection of human tissue?

Yes [ ] No [x]

3.9 Does your research involve children or young people under the age of 18? Yes [ ] No [x]

Section Four Methodology

4.1 Describe the research procedures / methodology as they affect the research participants and any other parties involved? Comment on biomedical procedures to elicit information, procedures designed to influence the knowledge, thinking, attitudes, feelings or other aspects of behavior of research participants.

The research methodology will be a combination of the quantitative and qualitative approach. The qualitative approach is being used to examine a variety of sources of information, to see the impact that this is having on the lives of the individual. While the quantitative approach will be collecting specific samples, to see what individual factors could be affecting respondents. This is in line with the Principals of Privacy and Freedom of Information Act, as the two methods would ensure that the study is accurate as possible. ("Information Privacy Principals," 2010)

4.2 Does the project involve any of the following procedures?

Yes [ ] No [x]

(a) The use of chemical compounds, drugs or biological agents?

Yes [ ] No [x]

(b) Any invasive procedures?

Yes [ ] No [x]

(c) Any identification procedures?

Yes [ ] No [x]

(d) Deception of participants at any stage of the project?

Yes [ ] No [x]

(e) Assessing confidential personal data without prior consent of research participants?

Yes [ ]

No [x]

(f) Obtaining information from another party which requires identification of research participant?

Yes [ ] No [x]

4.3 Has your application been made for external funding?

Yes [ ] No [x]

4.4 Does this research involve another institution?

Yes [ ] No [x]

Section Five Ethical Considerations

5.1 What, in your opinion are the ethical considerations in this proposal?

The ethical considerations of this proposal are objectivity. The reason why this is so important is because: of the heated emotions and politics, that often cloud the debate in this area. In the proposal the views and ideas from all different sides are respected. At which point, researchers can be more objective about what is occurring. Once this takes place, is when the underlying issues can be identified and possible solutions will be created.

At the same time, the issues of privacy and safety must be taken into account. To address the issue of privacy, researchers will only ask respondents for personal information that is necessary for the study. Any kind of other personal information that is collected will be securely stored and monitored by the Chief Investigator. ("Information Privacy Principals," 2010)

5.2 Give details of the arrangements that have been made for the safe storage of the data and also the measures, which will be adopted to protect confidential records about research participants?

(a) During the study. All data will be securely stored under lock and key.

(b) After the study. All data will be stored under lock and key. The Chief Investigator will be the only person who is allowed access to the information.

5.3 How will confidential records be destroyed after the study is complete?

NA.

5.4 Will anyone else, apart from the Chief Investigators, have access to confidential records or human tissue samples?

Yes [ ] No [x]

5.5 May any party, other than investigators claim ownership of the materials or results derived from the research?

Yes [ ] No [x]

5.6 Are there any comments you would like to add which may assist the Committee in its consideration of this project? No.

Section Six Declaration

Consent form Yes [x] No [ ]

Information sheet Yes [x] No [ ]

Surveys -- non-standard questionnaire Yes [ ] No [ ]

Ethics approval from external institutions Yes [ ] No [x]

Interview guide Yes [ ] No [x]

Notification of clearance to work with children Yes [ ] No [ ]

6.1 If you are unable to provide the committee with any of the above supporting material please explain?

6.2 Can the Chief Investigator certify that the investigators and assistants involved in experimentation have been fully briefed on procedures and relevant ethical considerations?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

6.3 Have the investigators and assistance involved in the experimentation read the guidelines of the relevant professional body?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

Research Proposal

Abstract

The research study that is going to be undertaken will examine: the underlying challenges that the Australian education system faces in the future and how curriculum can be adapted to reflect these changes. This will help the nation to be more flexible in adapting to the effects from globalization, as the country is at the crossroad between Asia and the West.

Synopsis of Literature

The demographics of Australia are changing, as the country now has 28.8% of the total population born elsewhere. Out of this number 55.7% of the people do not speak English. This problematic, because the changes in globalization are: changing the demographics of the population. To adapt to what has been taking place, means that the education system must embrace curriculum standards that will address the changing population demographics and prepare students for the challenges that they will face in the future. As a result, some kind of study must be conducted, to determine what factors are affecting the curriculum at schools throughout the commonwealth. ("National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia," 2010) The literature review will seek to answer how and in what ways the curriculum of the education system must be adapted; to reflect the changes that are taking place in the economy as well as the population demographics. This will provide a historical and current prospective on the overall scope of the problem and how these different challenges can be addressed. Once this takes place, is when you will have a more in depth understanding the situation.

Research Aims / Objectives

The research aims of the study include: the history of the education system, where it currently ranks, the demographics of the young population, how it is being impacted by globalization and what tools / tactics can be utilized to adapt to these changes. The various questions that will be examined are:

1. The impact that a change in curriculum would have on the Australian education system?

2. Would this help to better prepare Australians for specific challenges they face in the future?

3. Are these changes in curriculum offering quantifiable results?

The different aims and questions of the research will focus the efforts on a variety of different factors that could be affecting the education system, from a number of different perspectives. Given the fact that this is an area of heated debate, an approach must utilized that will examine all the different variables and provide possible solutions.

Methodology

The methodology that will be utilized is the qualitative approach. This is where you are examining different pieces of research on the subject, to determine the underlying causes. With this approach, helping you to understand the total scope of: the problem from different perspectives. This will allow the study to remain objective, while identifying a variety of issues and possible ways that they can be addressed. Once this occurs, is when everyone will be able to understand what steps need to be taken to address the problem.

Data Collection and Analysis

The type of data that will be produced from the research is a variety of pieces of information, which will highlight a number of different variables affecting the education system. To include: the history of the education system, where it currently ranks, the demographics of the young population, how it is being impacted by globalization and what tools / tactics can be utilized to adapt to these changes. At the same time, we will be using the observation method as a way of being able to see how participants are responding to various questions. This is when the researcher will pay attention to the responses of participants. Where, they want to see their non-verbal reactions to various questions someone could be asked. (Blaster, 2006, pg. 178) Once this is complete all of these different pieces of information will be compared and corroborated with each other, as an analysis will be conducted. At which point, this will help to provide an overall understanding of the problem and possible solutions for mitigating these effects.

Introduction

Over the last several decades, Australia has undergone a tremendous transformation. At the heart of the changes, are the forces of globalization having a dramatic impact upon society and the economy of Australia. Evidence of this can be seen by looking no further than the population demographics from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, which found that 20.8% of Australian citizens were born overseas. When you look further at the number, 44.3% of immigrants came from English speaking countries, while 55.7% are from non-English speaking countries. ("National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia," 2010) This is significant, because it shows a fundamental shift is occurring, with the population and economy from globalization. Where, the commonwealth is becoming more diverse, reflecting changing realities within society and the economy. For the education system, the challenge is adapting to these changes that are taking place because of globalization. This means that some type of change must occur with the way curriculum is presented, to reflect more of an international perspective. In the past there have been attempts to address this issue, by providing a national guideline on curriculum. The most notable changes were occurring at: the Australia Education Council meeting in 1991. Where, it laid out eight different learning areas to address these challenges to include: technology, mathematics, English, languages other than English, the arts, health / physical education and studies of science / society. However, over the course of time, these learning areas were often criticized by educators and administrators, who felt that a bunch of bureaucrats were determining the curriculum for the entire commonwealth. At which point, many schools and areas would begin to determine their own curriculum on an individual basis. Some good examples of this can be seen with in Victoria and New South Wales. In Victoria they re- evaluated the curriculum and began to deviate from the eight areas. This was accomplished by having students focus on more individual subjects at the secondary level. While in New South Wales, they have introduced major changes to the syllabus, by modifying the curriculum as well. (Marsh, 2004, pp. 24 -- 25) This is problematic, because the lack of having coherent national standards; means that a shot gun approach is being taken with curriculum. Where, each state / territory will determine for themselves what type of curriculum makes sense for them. Given the sharp changes in the economy and the population, this means that a curriculum standard must be established that will provide increased flexibility (on a national level). At the same time, it needs to reflect those principles that will be necessary for Australians, to remain competitive in the global market place. Therefore, some kind of reform needs to take place in curriculum of the education system.

Is the Status Quo Effective?

Despite the obvious issues with curriculum, the Australian school system ranks higher than a number of developed nations including: the United States, Great Britain and Germany. Evidence of this can be seen, by looking at how Australian students performed in math and science against their international counterparts. Where, Australia ranked ninth in math and fifth in science. ("The Economic Impact of the Achievement Gap," 2009) For many proponents of the status quo, this is evidence that the current model that is being utilized is working effectively, in comparison with some of the other developed countries. A good example this is: the reforms that were first implemented in 1987, to improve the quality of education by linking it with changes in the economy. As the school system, is doing what was intended, when the idea of curriculum reform was first introduced (adapting the curriculum to the needs of the economy). (Sotrmquist, 2000, pp. 333 -- 340) However, what this group is not telling you is: that the curriculum that is being used, has a number of different areas that need to be addressed to include: improving teacher accountability, keeping the class sizes smaller, addressing in equalities and the confusing standards that have been created.

When you look at the first issue of improving teacher accountability, it is clear that this is creating heated debate. On one hand, you have the need for improving educational standards, yet the way that these standards are being applied is questionable. (Hartley, 2006, pp. 140 -- 157) A good example of this can be seen with the NAPLAN National Assessment Test. What happened was: many educators are opposed to this type of examination, because it only discusses one aspect of education, student performance. (Devine, 2010) This is problematic, because the test is obviously missing key aspects of the educational experience, as each person will learn differently. Then, the results from these exams can be used to judge teacher performance. This has caused many educators to argue that these kinds of assessment exams are useful, but the government should not be taking an all or nothing approach when it comes to them. Instead, they should utilize a number of different tools that can work in conjunction with the NAPLAN. Using this kind of approach when measuring student assessment, would provide an overall view as to what specific problems are affecting each school. At which point, the unique issues can be addressed, to prevent the situation from becoming worse. This is where; you can dramatically improve teacher assessment and utilize different tools, to improve the overall quality of education that is being provided.

The second issue, keeping class sizes small, has been creating continuous debate. This is because there has been an effort from government officials to increase the sizes of classes, while keeping the cost low and having more students working with high quality teachers. The problem with using this strategy is that many students will often become just a number. As the quality of education falls dramatically, to reflect the larger classes sizes. A good example of this can be seen in the education system itself, where there are two levels outside of the university system (primary and secondary). When most students are moving from the primary to the secondary level they will experience challenges with the larger class sizes. The problem has become so extreme that many students will see a substantial drop in achievement scores between the fifth and ninth grades. As a result, some schools have begun implementing a middle school system, to address these challenges that students are facing. While, this type of system in not necessary, the example shows how the larger class sizes are causing many student to become confused. Once this takes place, is when there is a realistic possibility that they could fall behind, as the large class size is intimidating. To ensure that the maximum amount of learning comprehension is taking place; means that class sizes should be adjusted to reflect the greatest amounts of learning from the students. This will ensure that no one is left behind, because of large class sizes, helping to make the way curriculum is provided more effective. (Pendergast, 2005, pp. 3 -- 18)

A third issue that needs to be addressed with current curriculum is: the inequalities that are created. The education system is currently favoring those individuals who are from higher income backgrounds. Where, economic segregation is slowly taking place between the wealthy and poor in society. A good example of this can be seen in the inner cities of: Sydney and Melbourne. It used to be that these areas were often a mix of varying income levels, as over employment would often occur. However, a shift is occurring in these areas as more of the wealthy will move to the suburbs of these large cities. The way the curriculum is provided will be vastly different between the suburbs and the inner cities will be vastly different. As the higher income areas, will have curriculum that will help to promote the student's overall amount of learning comprehension. In the inner city, the curriculum does not work well with low income student's, as there is a cultural shift in how it presented, less resources devoted to these students and lower quality of teachers. As a result, this has created vast disparities in the inner city that can be seen with the curriculum itself. Where, there are no high paying jobs or economic opportunity for the people. If you can begin to adjust the curriculum, to reach out to inner city students, you have the possibility of being able to effectively assist them. With increased government resources in the area, this would help to improve economic opportunity by bringing high paying jobs back to these communities. This is significant, because it shows how adjusting the curriculum towards international standards will improve the overall amounts of learning comprehension. ("MP Ignores the Job Needs of the Less Educated," 2010)

The fourth issue, confusing standards is created from a lack of having flexible standards that can be applied to the curriculum. In general, the government is following a policy of: establishing more formalized traditional structure. This is problematic, because the traditional education methods of the past; will not help prepare students for the future challenges that they will face in the workplace. In many ways, one can argue that the different school systems in Victoria and New South Wales, were adjusting their curriculum because it proved to be to general of an approach. To better prepare for the challenges that will be faced in the future requires: adjusting the curriculum standards, to where they can be more flexible at the class room level. (Hill, 2010)

There have been new programs recently introduced, to study the issues of curriculum reform in the school system. An example of this can be seen with Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians. This declaration is saying that some kind of curriculum reform is necessary by calling on: educators, administrators and government officials; to work together in establishing achievable standards. There have also been steps taken by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority, to provide greater flexibility to educators, by establishing Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. These changes that are occurring in reforming the curriculum of schools are: evidence that the system is willing to adapt to these changes. The problem is making measureable changes that can be adjusted over time. If this kind of policy can become a part of the curriculum, then it will help to dramatically improve the overall quality of education at a variety of schools throughout the commonwealth. Once you can see these kinds of changes, is when Australia can begin to rival some of the top school systems in the world. (Hill, 2010)

What the above areas highlight, is that the curriculum reforms of the past have been successful in helping Australia, to remain at the forefront when it comes to education. This provided a good first step in helping the school system, adapt to the changes that it was facing from a diverse population demographic. However, these changes are now becoming obsolete, as a one size fits all approach is taken when it comes to education. This has caused the different issues examined above to become more extreme. That being said, there have been efforts by the government to address these various disparities (such as: Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians along with Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership). Yet, these changes are not occurring fast enough in some communities, as the government is slow to implement them in various problem areas of the system. Instead, they are taking a more gradualist approach. The government should increase these curriculum reforms and then begin working with educators, to create curriculum standards that can work well in the real world. If some kind of effective system can be created, it means that all schools throughout the commonwealth will be providing the highest quality education possible. While, this may seem a like a naive goal, the attempt to provide high quality education to all students will ensure that the schools are always focused on excellence. While perfection is not possible, the achievement of excellence at all times is. When you apply this value as a part of the curriculum reform, you are helping to ensure that schools can adjust to changes that are occurring in the real world. This will help to make certain that Australia remains competitive in the global marketplace.

Effectively Improving Curriculum

To improve curriculum, you must use a number of different tools and strategies in conjunction with one another. The biggest aspect that is going to be utilized is flexibility. This is because the educators and administrators need to have enough room, to adapt the curriculum to changes that are occurring. This means that they need to have some kind of flexibility, in determining how the curriculum can be applied on the school level. The problem with this is that there could be too little flexibility, which would only frustrate educators and administrators. A good example of this can be seen with a study conducted by Phi Delta Kappan, which found that 44 schools that were given increased amounts of flexibility were: resistant to such changes. The reason why, is because these standards provided too little flexibility, to make any kind of difference. Once this takes place, it meant that the staff would be resistant to such changes, as they see it as a waste of time. (Wohlester, 1995) Instead, an approach needs to be utilized that will address these issues, while providing increased amounts flexibility on the all levels. One way to do this is to: survey different educators and administrators, about what their views are on how the education system can be improved. These ideas could be examined by a committee that will be reforming curriculum and making specific recommendations. On this committee, you would want to have: government officials, educators, administrators and key members of the general public. This is important, because this is following the basic principal that was outlined, by the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians. If this kind of committee can be formed, it must keep an open mind when examining the issue. At which point, the chances are excellent that a workable curriculum policy will be developed that will address the various issues of: the government, educators and administrators. Once this occurs and you implement some of the different ideas, they will address some of the disparities within the curriculum. Then, you are making sure that any areas, which have been overlooked or may have become possible challenges, are rectified immediately. This will ensure that the curriculum will have the greatest impact upon the students. At which point, Australia will become even more competitive. (Wohlester, 1995)