INFORMATION SHEET FOR PARTICIPANTS

REC Reference Number: LRU-15/16-2705

YOU WILL BE GIVEN A COPY OF THIS INFORMATION SHEET

The Singapore Primary Mathematics Curriculum and Classroom: Addressing Low

Attainment
Invitation Paragraph
I would like to invite you to participate in this postgraduate research project. You should
only participate if you want to; choosing not to take part will not disadvantage you in any
way. Before you decide whether you want to take part, it is important for you to understand
why the research is being done and what your participation will involve. Please take time
to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Ask me if
there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information.
What is the purpose of the study?
This study aims to investigate current Primary Mathematics classroom practices in
Singapore and their implications for low attaining students. Interviews and questionnaires
will attempt to gauge the variety of opinions and practices of current primary school
mathematics teachers.
This is a self-funded, postgraduate project conducted as part of a dissertation project at
Kings College London.
Why have I been invited to take part?
For the purposes of this research, I intend to recruit current mathematics teachers, all
above the age of 18 with no upper age limit. You will be participating in an online
questionnaire and/or a short interview. No identifying personal data will be collected and all
names will be changed to maintain confidentiality. If selected for an interview, transcripts of
interviews will only be identifiable by a unique identifier (pseudonym). In reporting the
findings, I will not reveal any data (e.g. your name, the organisation you work for). This
research will include your experiences and opinions on teaching low attaining students in
Mathematics.
Do I have to take part?
Participation is voluntary and you do not have to take part. You should read this
information sheet carefully and raise any questions that you may have with the researcher.
You should not agree to take part in this research until you have had all your questions
answered satisfactorily.
What will happen to me if I take part?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be given this information sheet to keep.
Returning the completed questionnaire implies consent to participate. Based on the nature
of online survey platforms, questionnaires will be returned anonymously and indirectly.
Hence, once the questionnaire is submitted, it will not be possible to identify, and therefore
withdraw, your individual questionnaire data.
If you are selected to take part in an interview, you will be asked to sign and acknowledge
a consent form. The interview will take approximately thirty to forty-five minutes through
Facetime or Skype. The interview will be recorded, and the recording deleted after
1

transcription. Even if you have decided to take part, you are still free to cease your
participation at any time and without giving any reason.
What are the possible benefits and risks of taking part?
Your participation will help shed some light on current Mathematics practices in primary
schools. These issues have important implications for teaching and learning in the
classroom. There are no foreseeable risks in participating in this study.
What will happen to the results of the study?
The results of the study will be discussed and submitted to Kings College London in the
form of a Masters dissertation.
Who should I contact for further information?
If you have any questions or require more information about this study, please contact me
using the following contact details:
Geraldine Toh Xuying
Department of Education & Professional Studies
Waterloo Bridge Wing
Franklin-Wilkins Building
Waterloo Road, London
geraldine.toh_xuying@kcl.ac.uk
What if I have further questions, or if something goes wrong?

If this study has harmed you in any way or if you wish to make a complaint about the
conduct of the study you can contact King's College London using the details below for
further advice and information:
Dr Carla Finesilver
Lecturer in Mathematics Education
Waterloo Bridge Wing
Franklin-Wilkins Building
Waterloo Road, London
carla.finesilver@kcl.ac.uk

Thank you for reading this information sheet and for considering taking part in this
research.