Research Information Letter and Participant Consent Form

Information Letter & Consent Form 
 
Title of Study: Climate Education in Teacher Education (CETE) 
 
Who is conducting the study? 
 
Dr. Hartley Banack  
School of Education 
University of Northern British Columbia 
Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9 
hart.banack@unbc.ca 
250-960-5317 
 
Who is sponsoring the study? 
 
The study is being funded by a Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) fast track grant.
 
What is the purpose of the study? 
 
We want to learn about how UNBC Teacher Candidates understand climate change and climate education. 
 
You are being invited to take part in this research study because you have important knowledge and experience to share around the topic of climate education, based on your experiences as a UNBC Teacher Candidate. 
 
This study examines climate education via experiences of UNBC Teacher Candidates as they move through the Teacher Education program at UNBC and into their practicums. The research also provides UNBC Teacher Candidates with information and resources around climate education that Teacher Candidates might use in their practice.  
 
Participation in this study is entirely voluntary, and you are in no way obligated to participate in this research. You are free to withdraw from this study at any time. You are also free not to answer any questions that make you feel uncomfortable or participate in any events you do not wish to. Whether or not the candidate participates will have no bearing on academic standing.
 
What will happen during the study? 
 
Teacher Candidate participants will be recruited through the UNBC School of Education via announcements and in-person/online information sessions. 
 
Teacher Candidates who consent to participate in the research will be asked to: 
 
1) complete an online pre-survey and an online post-survey (10-15 minutes each) 
2) partake in four 90-minute climate education workshops (in-person or online, one-time) 
3) share documents from coursework and practicum around climate change education 
4) join in a focus group, post-practicum, with other participants to discuss climate change education 
 
All data collected from you will be anonymized and data collection will take place between the months of February 2023 to December 2023. 
 
Is there any way that participating in this study could harm you? 
 
We do not think there is anything in this study that could harm you. Some of the questions we ask may seem sensitive or personal and might upset you. Many people express anxiety around climate change. The surveys will be anonymous. Remember, you do not have to answer any question if you do not want to and let us know if you have any concerns. We also have provided some resources you may access if you are feeling like you need to talk or seek support.
 
Questions, Concerns or Complaints about the project
 
If you have any questions about what we are asking of you, please contact the Principal Investigator, Dr. Hartley Banack, at: hart.banack@unbc.ca or 250-960-5317. 
 
If you have any concerns or complaints about your rights as a research participant and/or your experiences while participating in this study, contact the UNBC Office of Research at 250-960-6735 or by e-mail at reb@unbc.ca. 
 
The full Information Letter is available 

Question Title

* 1. Participant Consent and Withdrawal 
 
Taking part in this study is voluntary and entirely up to you. You have the right to refuse to participate in this study. If you decide to take part, you may choose to pull out of the study at any time without giving a reason and without any negative impact on you or on your standing in the School District. The data provided up to the point of withdrawal will also be removed from the study.  
 
By clicking “I consent” below, you indicate your signature and that you have received a copy of this consent form for your own records. Consent will be renewed after one year, if participants wish to continue in the study. 
 
CONSENT (please click ONE response below for each statement)


I have read or been described the information presented in the information letter about the project:

Question Title

* 2. I have had the opportunity to ask questions about my involvement in this project and to receive additional details I requested:

Question Title

* 3. I understand that if I agree to participate in this project, I may withdraw from the project at any time up until the report completion, with no consequences:

Question Title

* 4. I have been provided a copy of the Information Letter and Consent Form (click here to download the form):

Question Title

* 5. I agree to be audio recorded:

Question Title

* 6. I would like to be informed of the study’s findings once the project has been completed:

Question Title

* 7. Please check here if you would like to receive a PDF copy of the final report:

Question Title

* 8. Please provide an email address for participation in the study. This cannot be a UNBC email.

This email address will also be used to inquire about staying involved in the project over time. Consent will be obtained annually.

T