General Information Sheet
You are invited to take part in a research study. This research study is part of a Module I am taking at the School of Education. Before you agree to take part it is important to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve.
Please take time to carefully read the following information. Please ask me if there is anything that is not clear, or if you would like more information. Please think about it carefully and then decide whether you would like to take part or not.
What are the aims of the research?
This study aims to examine how young Chinese students learning English in an online classroom setting respond to classes that incorporate visual aids. Through analysing survey responses from English as a second language teachers, this study aims to identify the observable behavioural differences in students that teachers associate with engagement.
Who else is and can be involved?
This study is strictly only surveying English as a second language teachers that take classes on an online platform. No students, parents, or other potential stakeholders will be involved.
What sorts of methods are being used?
The study uses a quantitative descriptive research design. Data will be collected through a short, online survey that allows teachers to share their observations with students upon use of visual aids. The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The data will be analysed in SPSS using descriptive statistics in order to identify trends in student engagement.
Why have you been chosen?
You have been selected because you are an online English as a foreign language teacher. Your professional insights are valuable for understanding the potential efficacy of visual aid use in the online classroom.
What are you being asked to do?
You are invited to: participate in one online survey that will take approximately 5-10 minutes, and give consent for your anonymous data to be used in publications. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw from the study at any time without penalty or explanation.
Will my taking part in this study be kept confidential?
Yes. All responses will be kept strictly confidential. There is no personal data being collected, and the survey data will be securely stored on password-protected devices accessible only to the researcher and supervising academic. No identifying information will appear in any publication, report, or presentation.
What will happen to the results of the research study?
The results will be used for academic purposes. A summary of the findings will be shared with participants upon request. All data will be anonymised and securely archived in accordance with the University of Nottingham Malaysia’s ethical guidelines.
Do you have to take part?
No. Participation is voluntary. You may decline to participate or withdraw from the study at any time, up to two weeks after your interview, without giving a reason. Your decision will not affect your relationship with the researcher or the university.
What are the possible disadvantages of taking part?
There are no known risks or disadvantages in participating.
What are the possible benefits to me of taking part?
Your insights may contribute to the broader understanding of visual aid use in the online classroom, providing further knowledge to the industry on what teaching strategies can be used to benefit learning and engagement during distance learning. You will also receive a summary of the study’s findings upon request.
Who is paying for this research and who is carrying it out?
This study is being conducted by Owen Gibson, a researcher affiliated with the University of Nottingham Malaysia. It is an independent academic project and is not externally funded. The research is supervised and ethically reviewed by the University of Nottingham Malaysia Research Ethics Committee.
We are committed to carrying out our research according to the ethical guidelines provided by the British Educational Research Association (online at http://tinyurl.com/6r5juen ).
If you have any questions and/or concerns about this research study, please feel free to contact the researcher at sbxog1@nottingham.edu.my or the professor at Alberto.August@nottingham.edu.my.
Consent Form
1. I have read the Information Sheet.
2. I understand the nature and purpose of this research.
3. I have received enough information to make an informed decision about taking part.
4. I understand that I can raise questions, offer criticisms and make suggestions about the project.
5. I understand that I can decide not to participate in this project at any time after agreeing to.
6. I agree to contribute to this research.
7. I agree for my responses to be analyzed for this research.
By clicking next, you consent to take part in this study after considering the information provided.