What are Effective Practices

Effective Practices in Adult Learning:

• See the positives in people
• Foster respectful relationships and cooperation
• Value learning and different learning styles
• Honour dignity and independence
• Acknowledge and include personal experience and wisdom
• Practice adult learning principles
• Challenge inequality and prejudice

Effective practices in adult literacy for learners with disabilities include positive and respectful relationships between learner and tutor, instructor and coordinator that focus on learning. Thoughtful consideration about each learner's wants and needs is at the core of effective practices. Effective practices are based on adult learning principles1. Adult learning principles act as a guide for:

• Choosing teaching approaches which work well for the learner, are engaging and relevant to their learning goals
• Selecting materials and activities cooperatively among learner and tutor or instructor
• Assessing literacy skills upon entry and measuring progress while in the program
• Relationship building that is supportive, with respectful and professional boundaries
• Developing and providing instructor and tutor training on learner-centered approaches and practices
• Using small groups and/or one to one tutoring

1 Carpenter & Readman, 2004; Imel, 1998 See Appendix B: Adult Education Principles by Carpenter and Readman