Research ethics in teaching and learning

Abstract

The evolution of enquiry-based teaching and learning has broadened the range of research carried out by university students. As a result, the boundaries between teaching and learning and academic research are being blurred to a degree not experienced heretofore. This paper examines whether research undertaken as part of course work should fall under the remit of the research ethics committee (REC) – a question not examined in the academic literature before now. The paper explores this debate before determining that in-class research should be subject to research ethics oversight. The challenges this presents for RECs are delineated. The paper concludes by advancing potential solutions to the problems identified. The experiences of the authors, both of whom have served on a business school REC for years, inform the discussion.

Keywords:

• research ethics
• research ethics committee
• research in teaching and learning