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Competing interests between researcher, teacher and student in the ethics of classroom ethnography

Malin, Merridy A. (2003). Competing interests between researcher, teacher and student in the ethics of classroom ethnography. International Journal of Research & Method in Education,26(1):21-31.

Document type: Journal Article
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Title Competing interests between researcher, teacher and student in the ethics of classroom ethnography
Author Malin, Merridy A.
Journal Name International Journal of Research & Method in Education
Publication Date 2003
Volume Number 26
Issue Number 1
ISSN 1743-727X   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Start Page 21
End Page 31
Total Pages 11
Place of Publication United Kingdom
Publisher Carfax Publishing
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DEST)
Abstract This article discusses ethical dilemmas which confront ethnographic research in classrooms, using my own classroom ethnography in illustration. The very capacity of ethnography for capturing an in-depth view of day to day classroom life creates its ethical difficulties. I demonstrate how students' interests, as reflected in the research, may come into conflict with those of their teachers and how the researcher's responsibilities to the profession may conflict with their responsibilities to certain members of the researched. In seeking a way through these issues, I explore possible alternatives to traditional ethnography such as participatory action research which largely avoids the particular ethical problems of ethnography. I argue in support of the role played by critical and interpretive ethnography, taking into account the post- structuralist critique and explore the potential of creative non-fiction as a report genre for critical ethnography for alleviating my ethical dilemma. The conclusion reached is that there are no simple and easy solutions and that the answers lie largely in the nature of the relationship negotiated between teacher and researcher.
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0140672030260103   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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