Creating a Learning Environment

A learning environment respects, values, and nurtures learning throughout the drop-in, shelter, or program. This is reflected in the skills and attitudes of staff and volunteers, in program planning and in the physical set-up of space. These are some of the elements of a learning environment:

Staff and Volunteers ...

• understand literacy issues and second language issues
  
  
• are trained in Clear Language and Design (CLAD)
  
  
• write signs, letters, flyers, and posters using Clear Language and Design
  
  
• maintain up to date and readable bulletin boards
  
  
• explain and enforce anti-discrimination policies so that the space is safe
  
  
• explain and enforce anti-discrimination policies so that barriers to learning, such as sexism and racism, are addressed
  
  
• refer interested participants to education and training and to outside literacy groups
  
  
• believe that everyone can learn
  
  
• believe that everyone can participate in beaming opportunities
  
  
• believe that everyone has something that they can teach

Program Planning

• The program values learning that happens in different ways and in different kinds of groups, including First Nations' language classes, cooking groups, photography club, life skills, political action, informal Scrabble games, etc.
  
  
• The program and its groups are accessible to people with low literacy skills or English as a Second Language.
  
  
• The program does special outreach to ensure participation by individuals from equity and under-represented groups.
  
  
• Program participation and participant expression are encouraged through members' or residents' meetings, a supply of art supplies, paper and pens, a "graffiti" whiteboard, a participant newsletter, a suggestion box, etc.