Celebrate Learning

Celebrating progress was highly valued among the SARAW Survey participants. Celebrations such as class parties and ceremonies (e.g. achievement certificates), presentations of learner work to family and friends, year-end barbeques, festive potlucks, and going out for lunch or supper with the tutor, are some of the events learners enjoyed.

"Certificate at the end of the year, [learner] has all of them on wall at home." (tutor)

"Read stories to audience, read stories that I wrote about my brother." (learner)

"Year-end party and Christmas party, its fun and [learners] meet each other." (coordinator)

"Having a break from your normal work." (learner)

Celebrations are especially important in programs using tutors as they offer an opportunity for learners to spend social time together as a group. Celebrations pay tribute to learners' efforts and achievements and are a significant source of encouragement. We encourage you to highlight learning in your celebration activities.

What if learning does not progress?

From time to time some learners may experience a plateau in their learning. Plateau of learning progress is when there is no indication of further or continual learning. When this happens you can try different materials, activities, computer programs, or SARAW functions. Remember that at those times when there seems to be little or no progress it is helpful to consider factors that can influence a learner's progress. This may be the pace of learning, individual interest, or a personal life situation.

For some learners maintaining their literacy skills is the learning goal and plan. This does not mean that learning has plateaued. Literacy skills are like muscles that must be used so they stay strong. Learners can work to keep the literacy skills they have. One learner used the SARAW computer to type in interesting articles in the daily newspaper. While the subject was interesting, repetition of copying and typing was the way this learner maintained her or his literacy skills.