Ethical Tensions in the Ethics Review of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Projects: Revealing Values from a Health Faculty in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Abstract

This study employed a case study approach to explore ethical conduct in Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research. Originating within biomedical research, the remit of ethics review bodies now commonly extends to assessing SoTL projects. Set within a health faculty at a university in Aotearoa New Zealand, we examined student and academic perspectives on ethical conduct in SoTL research to gauge how their values align with those who decide on ethical standards of research involving them. Drawing on reflexive thematic analysis, our findings reflect tensions between the relational and cultural values of SoTL and the biomedically based values of ethics review. Conflict within the dual role of the academic as both teacher and researcher, whilst of concern to ethics review bodies and academics, is not recognised as being as problematic by students, who do not feel pressure to participate. A greater focus on the learning opportunities afforded to students through SoTL research participation is warranted.