Project-Based Learning • Ethics & Safety • Student & Kaiako Guide
🛡️ Community Consultation & Safeguarding Guide
When students step outside the classroom to consult whānau, kaumātua, and community leaders, safety, ethics, and cultural integrity are paramount. This guide provides the mandatory safety rules, tikanga protocols, and consent procedures for field research.
🌿 Tikanga Māori for Community Engagement
Research in Aotearoa is relational (whanaungatanga), never transactional. When consulting Māori whānau, hapū, iwi, or community elders:
- Kanohi Kitea (The Seen Face): Where possible, introduce yourself respectfully in person or via structured video rather than sending cold, anonymous forms.
- Aroha ki te Tangata (Respect for People): Always explain why you are asking, what the information will be used for, and give participants full freedom to decline or stop at any time.
- Manaakitanga & Koha: Acknowledge the gift of their time and knowledge. A handwritten thank-you letter or appropriate koha reflects shared respect.
- No Extractive Research: Never take indigenous stories, cultural concepts, or personal experiences without explicit permission, and always report back your findings to those who contributed.
🔒 Mandatory Safeguarding Rules
- Buddy System: Never conduct face-to-face interviews alone. Always work in pairs or small groups.
- Public & Supervised Spaces: Conduct interviews in school spaces, public libraries, or supervised community venues. Never enter private residences unchaperoned.
- Kaiako & Whānau Sign-off: All interview questions and survey links must be vetted and approved by your kaiako before sharing.
- Data Privacy: Do not publish full names, phone numbers, or private details without explicit written consent. Use pseudonyms or role titles (e.g. "Local Shop Owner A").
- Photo & Video Permissions: Always obtain signed permission before taking photos, audio recordings, or videos.
🎤 Interview & Survey Best Practice
- Opening: Introduce your team, school, and project goal clearly: "Tēnā koe. We are Year 9/10 students investigating..."
- Open Questions: Ask “How has this issue affected you?” rather than “Don’t you agree that this is bad?”
- Active Listening: Take careful notes. Confirm key points: "So if I understand correctly, your biggest concern is..."
- Respecting Boundaries: If someone is uncomfortable with a question, immediately offer to skip it.
- Closing: Thank them warmly and explain how they can follow the project's progress.
📋 Te Kete Ako — Participant Consent & Assent Form
(Print and have participants sign prior to recording interviews or taking photos)
Project Title: Community Action Project (Years 9–10 Social Studies / Integrated PBL)
Student Researchers: ____________________________________________________
School / Kura: __________________________________ Kaiako: _________________________
Declaration of Participant:
- ☐ I understand the purpose of this student community action project.
- ☐ I have been informed that my participation is completely voluntary.
- ☐ I agree to participate in an interview / survey.
- ☐ I give permission for my comments to be quoted anonymously / with my name.
- ☐ I give permission for photographs/audio to be used in the classroom presentation (optional).
Participant Name:
Signature & Date:
Next Step in the Project Cycle
Synthesise your consultation findings in Lesson 2, then proceed to Lesson 3 using the Design Thinking Canvas to prototype your solution.