Would i need to get a letter of consent from Parents?

[CupcakesHay]

Hi

I'm training to be a teacher and currently doing a research project at a Primary school.

I'm planning to interview children of Yr 2, 4 and 6 - in groups of 2-6 children. I'm planning to do this in an open library area - which has a busy corridor bit on it - it's not at all closed in.

I've had my CRB checks done - adn was all set to go when a teacher said "I assume you've got permission from the parents?"

I asked another teacher and she told me not to worry... but...well... i'm a worrier!

I'm not asking anything controversial - only about reward systesm.

What do you all think?

Our student teachers always ask first, I feel happier knowing that they do although I wouldn't spit my dummy if they didn't. It would make me a bit uncomfortable though!

I would have thought the headmaster would have given approval, so it would be best to seek guidance from him/her as it affects that particular school.

tbh I would be miffed and a bit concerned if I didn't know anything about it till afterwards

I do think you need parents' permission - I would almost certainly say yes but I'd want to know about it before hand.

no, i wouldn't be at all bothered.

it's only a person asking them a few questions. in a group

how is it any different to group work done with their regular teacher?

wouldn't bother me in the slightest if i found out ds1 had done this

We are always asked for our consent for any research involving our kids, I would be annoyed not to be tbh. I know it's not a biggie, but my kids are at school for the benefit their education not yours.

You need to get permission to do a research project- unethical not to. I am surprised you werent advised of this by your college.

Actually, I was just coming back to say just that rainbow! Weren't you told by your tutors that you needed permission? I am pretty sure it is standard practice.

thinking about it a bit more i suspect I would be cross if I didn't know about it, presumably this information is going to be used in your coursework somewhere? One of the things that makes me feel happy about the research in our school is that we always know what it is, what it hopes to achieve and how it will be used. I suspect if one of my dc came home and said "Miss X asked us loads or questions today about XXXXXXX for her project" I would be quite keen to find out what questions and why I didn't know about it. I imagine these session will take place during class time meaning the children would miss out.

Overall I think you do need permission and you do need to explain what you are doing and why.

Welcome to the world of teacher/parent interfacing.
Yes, although it's in an open area, the quotes are non-attributed and you are not asking any personal questions at all, it's still a good idea to ask the parents.
Because it's not worth getting them pissed off for something so small. And trust me, there will always be a core who need to know and have an input into everything their child does at all times.
It comes under Literacy, speaking, listening and formulating answers to open and closed questioning plus citizenship for those who feel 'They will be missing out on class time'
Get your answers to parental questions sorted too.

Always best to cover yourself by asking-you only have to read here to know that some parents may object.

Thanks - i'll think i'll crack on and get a letter sorted! Cheers for the advice. MNers are so wise!