Take part in an online survey which is being conducted by researchers in the School of Education at NUI Galway and the National Parents’ Council. Please read this information first so you can understand why the research is being done and what it may involve for you.
What is the purpose of this study?
This study aims to explore parents’/guardians’ and children's experiences of and thoughts about 'schooling at home' resulting from the closure of school buildings in March due to COVID-19.
Who is being invited to participate in this study?
All parents/guardians of a primary or post-primary school-aged child who was schooled at home as a result of COVID-19 are being invited to take part. During the survey, you will be asked questions about yourself, your household and your oldest school-aged child. Your oldest school-aged child will also be invited to answer some questions about their experiences of 'schooling at home' if they are interested.
Do I have to take part?
No. It is completely your decision and your child’s decision whether to take part or not. You can decide that both you and your child will take part or only you will take part. If after giving your consent, should you change your mind, you can withdraw from the research by closing your web browser, and your child can do the same.
What will the study involve?
Taking part in the study involves completing an online survey which will take about 20 minutes. The child section of the survey will take about 10 minutes.
Will there be any benefit or risks to me or my child if I take part?
It is unlikely there will be any direct benefit to you from taking part in this research. However, we hope that your information and information from other parents will provide useful insights into 'schooling at home' during COVID-19 that might help schools if we are in a similar situation in the future.
We feel that there are few risks from this study as no personal details (e.g., names, addresses etc.) will be collected, and the questions only ask you about your everyday life. However, there is a slight chance that you may feel some discomfort or upset when completing this survey. It is important to remember that if there are any questions that you do not feel comfortable answering, you can skip them, as can your child. If while completing the survey, you or your child become upset, we advise that you leave the survey. If you require additional support, please contact nflynn@nuigalway.ie for contact details of support agencies.
What will happen to the information I provide?
No personally identifying information (e.g., names, addresses etc.) will be collected in the survey. Data will be treated confidentially in line with GDPR requirements. The results of the study may be published in various academic outlets but you or your child will not be individually identified in any report or publication.
Thank you for taking the time to read this participant information page. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at any time at the email addresses below. Alternatively, you can contact the Research Office at NUI Galway (vpresearch@nuigalway.ie).
To complete the survey please follow the link below.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/surveyschoolingathome
