Every semester, ELI classes are observed by a number of people, including ELI administrative staff, ELI teachers, students in the Department of Second Language Studies, and other visiting language professionals.
Because the number of these requests is so large, we have had to limit the number of times any one class section or teacher can be observed. All interested observers from outside of the ELI (non- ELI faculty) must first receive permission for their observation by the ELI Director. Therefore, it is recommended that you contact her sooner rather than later.
Before approaching the ELI Director (and later an ELI teacher), to ask about observing classes, it’s important to determine the purpose of your observation. Is it for research purposes, or is it truly just an observation? It is assumed that, if this is just an observation, any recordings or notes taken will not be used for research and will not be made public in any form. Otherwise, it is considered a research project, and in these cases, you need to follow different procedures, as shown on Policies and Procedures for Conducting Research in the ELI.
If your observation is not for research purposes, follow these steps:
- Contact ELI Director Priscilla Faucette (faucette@) for recommendations and to receive permission to approach a teacher. Do not approach the teacher directly.
- Read the Guidelines and Etiquette for Observers of ELI Classes.
- Contact one of the teachers recommended and approved by Priscilla in order to explain the purpose of your visit and ask for their permission to observe their class. The teacher may or may not be able to grant your request.
If you have any questions, contact Priscilla.
Revised June, 2023