Researcher: Christine Pinsent–Johnson, M.A. student, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa. Phone 239–5951 or e–mail christine_pinsent-johnson@ocdsb.edu.on.ca

Whenever a research project is undertaken with people, the written consent of the participants must be obtained. This does not imply that the project involves any sort of risk. In view of the respect owed to participants, the University of Ottawa has made this type of agreement mandatory.

The purpose of this research study, which is part of my M.A. thesis, is to explore the learning that occurs in the Skills to Go! program and its three distinct settings: the classroom, coffee shop and job placement. In no way is this research an evaluation of your role, your students or the program. It is hoped that the research will help instructors and students to understand the learning that occurs in this unique program, as well as contribute to adult literacy program development.

If you agree to be a research participant, I will ask you to be involved in various research activities.

• One activity is a series of observation sessions that will take place over a one month period at your convenience. I would like to observe the students and instructors in both the classroom and coffee shop. I also hope to observe the student participants at their job placements.
• Another activity is an individual interview, lasting approximately 60 minutes that will take place at a time we arrange. The interview will be audio–taped and transcribed. During the interview, I will focus on the learning that occurs in the coffee shop, the classroom and the job placement. I will talk to you only about the two learning settings that you work in.
• I will also ask you to read a narrative of your interview to clarify or change information as you see fit. This will occur approximately one month after your interview.
• Finally, I will ask you to accommodate individual interviews with students and a focus group with 4–6 students from the program. I will try to arrange these activities outside of class time, but if this is not possible, I may have to request your permission to use some class time. We can arrange this together.

I will ensure that the following measures are taken to protect your anonymity and respect your rights:

• A pseudonym will be used for any written text from the research including transcripts, narratives, the study's final report (thesis), and any other publications;
• To ensure confidentiality, the data will be stored in a secure location in my home, and access will be limited to myself and my supervisor;
• The data will be securely stored for five years after the study, then it will be destroyed;
• You may withdraw from the study at anytime, refuse to answer questions and refuse to participate without penalty or judgment.