For Participants
When will you share your findings?
How are you protecting participants’ privacy/data?
The DREAMS research team takes our responsibility as guardians of participants’ information very seriously. We have several procedures in place to keep your data and privacy secure and protected.
DREAMS has approval and oversight from the NTU Institutional Review Board (IRB), ensuring compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). The NTU-IRB ensures the protection of human subjects involved in research studies by maintaining the highest levels of research ethics and integrity.
Your participation in this research will be kept confidential. Identifying information (e.g., name, last 4 characters of NRIC, e-mail address) will be asked to ensure the accuracy of our records, for linking of data collected at different time points, and for contacting you. Identifying information is removed and replaced with a random numeric ID to ensure anonymity before it is transferred to our research team for analysis, where everyone’s answers are combined and reported as aggregates.
The findings of this study may be reported in scientific presentations and reports, as well as social and broadcast media. Your identity will NOT be reflected or disclosed in these presentations, reports, and publications.
What happens if I don’t complete the surveys?
Opting out of any surveys will not affect your relationship with the National Institute of Education or Ministry of Education or impact any ongoing assessment/grades. You may skip any questions you do not wish to answer.
When will I receive my voucher?
You will receive a $10 voucher for your 2023 participation either when our research team visits your school in Term 2 2024 or electronically via email. The voucher for completing 2024 surveys will be given to you next year (2025).
What exactly is DREAMS studying?
We are studying a wide range of areas such as
- School & career aspirations
- self-identity & decision making
- social & relational contexts,
- mental health, wellbeing, & lifestyle
- early childhood and primary experiences
Learn more on our About Page
What do I get for being a DREAMS participant?
- Welcome gift bag
- Vouchers for completing surveys
- Opportunity to participate in our June Holiday camp
Why am I a part of this study?
You were invited to this study either as a part of the 2023 Secondary 1 cohort of one of the 28 schools selected by MOE for this study, or as a previous participant of the SKIP/SKIP(-UP) study.
Do I have to do the surveys?
You decide whether to complete the surveys. While participation is voluntary, we encourage you to take part. Your survey responses are a direct contribution to meaningful research that can positively influence policies and practices related to your education and well-being. It’s a chance to have your voice heard and make a real impact.
Since this is a longitudinal study, where we follow the same group of people over many years, your continued participation is greatly valued. Your ongoing involvement allows us to track changes and developments in your lives, providing a more comprehensive understanding.
What is a longitudinal cohort study?
A longitudinal cohort study is a research project where we observe and gather information from a group of people over an extended period, like several years. Our goal is to understand how students’ experiences and choices shape their lives as they progress through secondary school and beyond.
For Parents
How does DREAMS benefit me/my child?
Your child
• Being part of something larger that will influence future policy and practice
• Being exposed to issues that may be important for adolescents
• Being in a larger community of adolescents
You
• Contribute to knowledge
• Access to experts
• Connection to other parents
Society
•Contribute to key issues in society pertaining to adolescents
•Findings are shared with policy makers
Will I get surveys too?
If your child is a participant in our study, you will be invited to an annual online survey and may be invited to additional surveys, interviews and/or focus groups.
You will receive these invitations either through your child’s school or directly to your email (if you have previously provided it to us).
When will you share your findings?
How are you protecting participants’ privacy/data?
Who is funding/conducting this study?
This study is run by the National Institute of Education commissioned by the Ministry of Education
What happens if I don’t complete the surveys?
Why is my child a part of this study?
Your child was invited to this study either as a part of the 2023 Secondary 1 cohort of one of the 28 schools selected by MOE for this study, or as a previous participant of the SKIP/SKIP(-UP) study.
What is a longitudinal cohort study?
For School Leaders & Teachers
When will you share your findings?
How are you protecting participants’ privacy/data?
Who is funding/conducting this study?
What happens if I don’t complete the surveys?
Do I have to do the surveys?
You decide whether to complete the surveys. While participation is voluntary, we encourage you to take part. Your survey responses are a direct contribution to meaningful research that can positively influence policies and practices related to student education and well-being.
Will our teachers get surveys?
Yes teachers of participants will receive a survey in their emails once a year in Term 3.
How were schools selected for this study?
A diverse range of schools were invited to obtain a diverse sample of various educational pathways. 28 schools accepted the invitation to the study in 2023.
