As part of any research study, documents are developed to help explain the purpose of the study and how it will be conducted. In this study, there is the Plain Language Statement (below), giving general information. More detailed information sheets are available for Head Teachers, Teachers, Children, Parents and Farmers, with further information on the part of the study in which they are being asked to participate. All prospective participants will be issued with copies of the relevant information to read and keep, and extra copies will be available on request.
Plain Language Statement:
General Information about this research study
What is this research project about?
It’s about how children can benefit from visits to farms, as part of their primary school education. It will look at how teachers and farmers can use farm visits as an educational experience, and link this to Scottish primary school curriculum guidance, Curriculum for Excellence.
Who is conducting this research project, and why?
The study is being conducted by Leanne Mattu, a PhD candidate in the University of Glasgow’s College of Social Sciences. The study and associated studentship are supported by the Mains of Loirston Charitable Trust, which funds research to benefit agricultural education. The project is also supported by SRUC (formerly the Scottish Agricultural College) and the Royal Highland Education Trust.
As well as the thesis which will be written about this study to fulfil PhD requirements, a main aim of the research project is to develop guidance from the findings for teachers and farmers.
The principal supervisor of this PhD study is Dr Bethan Wood at the University of Glasgow School of Interdisciplinary Studies. The other supervisors are Dr Dave Roberts (SRUC) and Mr Carlo Rinaldi (University of Glasgow). Their contact details are at the bottom of the page.
What does this research involve?
A ‘mixed methods’ approach is being used, which involves several different ways of looking at the same topic. The methods include:
*A survey of teachers in primary schools.
*Interviews with teachers and with farmers.
*Focus groups with children.
All the potential participants in the study (and the parents/guardians of potential child participants) will be given a more detailed information sheet, which will explain the part of the study that they are being asked to help with. All those who agree to participate face-to-face in an interview or focus group (and where appropriate, their parent/guardian) will also be asked to read and sign a consent form before participating, apart from children in P1 and P2, who will be asked for verbal consent only. No child will be asked to participate unless parental consent is received.
Useful information:
If you have any questions about this research project generally, please contact Leanne Mattu on [mobile number], or email [address]. The study website is at [previous URL].
If you have any concerns about the conduct of the study, please contact one of the following: The study supervisors - Dr Bethan Wood [email and phone number given], Dr Dave Roberts [email address given] and Mr Carlo Rinaldi [email address given] or the University of Glasgow College of Social Sciences Ethics Officer, Professor John McKernan [email address given].
