Class Visits and Research Protocols

The Critical Languages Program (CLP) encourages educational research in language learning and teaching. 

Class Visits and Observations Protocols

Class visits and observations are a great way to get introduced to the rich and diverse language learning experiences at CLP.  

1. Contact tutors in advance to request permission to visit a class. If this is for a class assignment, please indicate which class and professor this is for.  Please request and confirm your visit with critlang@arizona.edu at least three days prior.
2. Check in at the CLP main office in CESL (1100 James E Rogers Way, Room 209) and plan to arrive at the classroom a few minutes before the class begins and stay until the end. 
3. Introduce yourself to the tutor and re-explain the purpose of your visit to him/her before the class begins.
4. Ask about where to sit and how/when it is best to minimize your class disruptions.

Contact information for questions: critlang@arizona.edu (520) 621-3386

Research Protocols

We ask researchers to obtain approval from IRB and the CLP Director before conducting research with us to ensure consent from tutors, examiners, and students.

To apply for research access at CLP, please submit the following information to the Director, critlang@arizona.edu, at least one month prior to your prospective start date.

In certain circumstances, you will need a site authorization letter from CLP to submit to IRB for final approval. Submit items 1-3 below to the Director to request the initial site authorization letter. For final CLP approval, items 1-4 (including the project IRB approval or exemption notification).

You will be expected to present your findings to the tutors and staff once your study is completed.

1. Researcher’s name, contact information, and university affiliation.
2. Title and statement about the purpose of the research and why is should be conducted at CLP.
3. A short separate summary of the study's objectives and how CLP tutors and/or students might be involved as well as the benefits they may gain from participating. Include proposed dates of data collection and the researcher's contact information.
4. A copy of approval or exemption from the University of Arizona Human Subjects approving the study. If this is for dissertation research or research that will be published or publicly presented, IRB approval will be needed. Complete all appropriate forms at https://research.arizona.edu/compliance-public/human-subjects-protection-program. 
5. If this is for a current UA class, include a copy of the course syllabus.

You may commence data collection only after the CLP Director gives final approval and receives a copy of your IRB approval. All applications for IRB approval must be submitted separately through the UA Office for the Responsible Conduct of Research. Once you have IRB approval for your study, the CLP Director will notify CLP tutors and staff and students, as appropriate. Tutors who wish to participate will contact the researcher. If not a classroom-based project, the researcher may arrange to meet with the students outside of class to recruit subjects for the study.

During the project, it is expected that all procedures (recruitment, data collection, collecting forms, etc.) shall be completed by the researcher and not fall to our tutors or staff.

Submit a summary of your findings to both the Director at critlang@arizona.edu and all participating tutors upon completion of your project.