Education Networks Student Research & Program Evaluation
This page provides information to help parents and guardians understand how research and evaluation activities may be used alongside education programs, the benefits of participation, and how consent is managed.
Participation in research is always voluntary and separate from participation in learning activities.
Why Research Is Conducted
Education Networks works with schools, education partners, and approved research organisations to understand the value and impact of education programs on students.
Research and evaluation help to:
- Improve the quality and relevance of education programs
- Understand student engagement and learning experiences
- Identify how programs support awareness of future learning and career pathways
- Ensure programs are evidence‑informed and continuously improved
Findings are used to strengthen program design, teaching approaches, and reporting to education stakeholders.
What Participation May Involve
If parents/guardians provide consent, students may be invited (but are not required) to participate in research activities such as:
- Short online surveys completed during agreed program time
- Optional interviews, discussions, or feedback activities
Typical activities are designed to be low‑risk and age‑appropriate.
- Surveys usually take less than 15 minutes
- Interviews or discussions (where offered) are optional and time‑limited
- Students may skip questions or stop participating at any time
Voluntary Participation
Participation in research and evaluation activities is completely voluntary.
- Declining to participate does not affect a student’s involvement in the education program
- Students will not be disadvantaged academically or educationally
- Even where parent/guardian consent is provided, students may still choose not to participate
Parents/guardians and students may withdraw consent at any time.
Audio Recording (Where Applicable)
Some interviews or discussions may include optional audio recording to ensure accuracy.
- Audio recording is not required to participate
- Students may participate in interviews without being recorded
- Recordings are stored securely and deleted in line with approved research processes
Separate consent is sought where audio recording is involved.
How Information Is Used
Information collected through research activities is handled carefully and responsibly.
- Surveys do not include student names or contact details
- Interview or discussion data is de‑identified before analysis
- Results are reported in aggregated form only (e.g. by cohort, school group, or region)
- Individual students are not identified in reports, publications, or communications
De‑identified information may also be used in future related research about education outcomes, but will not be used for unrelated purposes.
Data Storage and Security
Education Networks is committed to protecting student and family privacy.
- Research data is stored securely within approved data systems
- Access is restricted to authorised researchers and personnel
- Analysis is conducted using de‑identified or aggregated datasets
Research activities follow approved ethics and governance processes.
Managing Consent
For students under 18, participation in research requires:
- Parent or guardian consent, and
- Student agreement (assent)
Consent is:
- Informed and clearly explained
- Separate from program participation
- Able to be withdrawn at any time
Where anonymous surveys are used, it may not be possible to remove individual responses after submission if data has already been de‑identified and combined.
Privacy and Ethics
All research and evaluation activities are conducted in accordance with:
- The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
- The Education Networks Privacy Statement – Collection and Use of Student Personal Information
- The Education Networks Privacy Policy
All research activities are overseen by approved ethics frameworks to ensure student safety and wellbeing.
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions about research participation, consent, or use of information, you may contact us.
You may also speak with your child’s school coordinator.