Exploring the Effects of Teacher Research Experiences
on Classroom Inquiry Project: Teacher Form

Dr. Sherry Southerland/Dr. Ellen Granger/Dr. Patricia Dixon

I freely and voluntarily and without any element of force or coercion consent to be a participant in the research project entitled "Exploring the Effects of Teacher Research Experiences (RET's) on Classroom Inquiry."

This project is being conducted by Sherry Southerland, Ph.D., Patricia Dixon, Ph.D., and Ellen Granger, Ph.D., who are Associate Professor in Science Education, Director of the Center for Integrating Research and Learning at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, and Director of the Office of Science Teaching Activities in the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida State University, respectively. I understand that the purpose of this research project is to analyze Research Experiences for Teachers programs through description of their essential features and their efficacy in fostering teachers’ understanding and enactment of inquiry. I understand that if I give my consent I will complete several surveys/questionnaires related to the teaching and learning of K-12 science, I may be interviewed about the teaching and learning of K-12 science, and my planning for my teaching practices analyzed. I understand that all documents will be kept in a locked storage room and will be destroyed no later than five years after the project’s end.

I understand that my participation as a subject in research is totally voluntary and I may stop participation at any time, without it jeopardizing my continuation in the program. The directors of the RET project will have no knowledge of my personal data from the research during my participation in the summer program, as that information will only be available to Dr. Southerland. My answers to survey questions, notes on interviews, video recordings of my teaching, and notes on teaching practice will be kept confidential to the extent allowed by law and my name will not appear on any of the results. I, and only I, may request and receive a copy of my responses or notes; the researchers will not release these to any other party and, thus, they are completely under my control. My individual responses will only be reported as a part of a list of responses of program participants; participant names will not be a part of the list.

I understand that there is no more than minimal risk involved in my participation in the research project. The benefits involved in the project are to provide educators with insight into the utility of this type of experience for teachers and into the teaching and learning of K-12 science. This knowledge can assist them in providing future experiences to other K-12 teachers, pre-service teachers, and K-12 students. Participation in this project may enhance my own professional life as part of the process of this program and study.

I understand that I may contact Dr. Southerland, Florida State University, Program in Science Education—4490, (850) 645-4667, or Dr. Granger, Florida State University, Department of Biological Science—1100, (850) 644-6747, or Dr. Dixon, NHMFL—2740, (850) 644-4707, for answers to questions about the project. In addition, I may contact the Human Subjects Institutional Review Board at Florida State University, (850) 644-8633, for answers to any questions that I may have. Group results will be sent to me upon my request at the termination of the project.

I understand that I am not required to participate in the assessment of the Exploring the Effects of Teacher Research Experiences (RET’s) on Classroom Inquiry project even though I am participating in the RET itself. I understand that my consent may be withdrawn at any time without prejudice, penalty, or loss of benefits to which I am otherwise entitled. I have been given the right to ask and have answered any inquiry concerning the study. Questions, if any, have been answered to my satisfaction. In the future, I understand that I may contact Drs. Southerland, Granger, or Dixon at Florida State University for answers to questions about this research or my rights. I have read and understand this consent form.