In both Education 401/2 and Education 405, student teachers engage in a variety of educational activities that are part of their PDP assignments. For example, student teachers may be asked to make observations of pupils in their practicum classrooms, or in other classrooms in the school. They may be required to make detailed observations of individual pupils. Student teachers are often required to make a videotape of their own teaching, which is then examined and analyzed by all the student teachers in their modules. Some student teachers may be engaged in action research projects that involve pupils in their practicum classrooms.

Where student teachers carry out assignments involving observing pupils, videotaping, and/or research studies, they are bound by all University policies regarding the ethical conduct of research and the protection of the interests, comfort, privacy, and safety of all involved, at all times. Student teachers are also expected to abide by the principles of professional practices set by the BC Teachers' Federation.

The following guidelines apply to all student assignments that are part of the regular PDP requirements, and that involve observation, recording (videotape, still photography) and/or research of pupils in school settings.

1. If the assignment activities are being videotaped as part of the student teacher's class assignments, and if the recording is not being retained by the University, then the student teacher is responsible for finding out and following school procedures regarding such recording. The Faculty of Education advises student teachers that materials recorded under these conditions may not be used for anything other than personal records and should not be retained after completing the Professional Development Program.

    

2. If the assignment is being recorded, either on audio, video or still photography, and is intended to be used as an on-going teaching material by the Faculty of Education, then written releases must be obtained from all participants by the faculty member involved.

    

3. If the work is part of a faculty member's research, the faculty member is responsible for receiving approval from the University Ethics Review Committee, which would also necessitate written releases from all participants.

    

4. It is understood that all discussions of any recorded or live observations will be undertaken in a professional manner in the context of the student teacher's work in the PDP, that all involved will take every possible step to provide anonymity to teachers and students in discussions of the assignment, and that all such discussions will be treated as confidential.