Voices from the Field: Practitioners’ Reflections on Foundational Training

As part of our commitment to the literacy community in Canada, we are engaged in a consultation process regarding Foundational Training. In addition to a general survey seeking input on materials, delivery, and accreditation options (Survey Monkey Questionnaire) we contacted several practitioners who have taken Foundational Training and asked them to share their perspectives, experiences and suggestions.

The three participants who generously shared their time and thoughts for this issue of the E-newsletter are Anne Ainsworth, Early Literacy Specialist for the Kenora/Rainy River districts, Ontario; Donna Arnold, Executive Director and Family Literacy Coordinator, Henday Association for Lifelong Learning, Alberta; and Fiona Morrison, Director, Family Literacy and Early Learning 2010 Legacies Now, British Columbia.

The guided discussion resulted in the following feedback:

1. Discuss your experience with Foundational Training in Family Literacy (either face-to-face or online) and your overall impression of the content and quality of training.

I have used the information in the binder many times. As a matter of fact I still pull out the binder as a reference from time to time, especially with such things as writing proposals, best practice, websites for resources, list of good books, etc. Some of the things discussed did not apply to me personally at the time of the training, for example proposal writing; however, I did need to refer to it down the road. I find that my role changes somewhat in order to meet the needs and demands in our district. So some of the information that may not have applied to me at one time may apply to me later. (Anne)

To begin the online course, we got together for the face-to-face portion of chapter one. This was great as we met others that were taking the online course, as well as spending some time with the group of five we would be working with. Later, when we were back home in e-mail discussions with our group, it felt great to know who they were. We were actually communicating with real people!

The assignments were very worthwhile, really making you think, both about what you read and your thoughts on the topics, so you really did not want to miss/skim through any of them.

I felt the course content was put together exceptionally well. I originally thought it was just a more in depth introduction to Family Literacy. I found it to be much, much more. It took you through a wonderful journey of expanding your thinking even outside the box as well as increasing your knowledge. As I also am responsible for the paperwork, evaluations, reporting and working with the various agencies, some of the chapters were second nature to me, but for facilitators taking the course it would be an important insight to the administrative side of the program. (Donna)

I began my Foundational Training Experience in a face-to-face session in Edmonton. The remainder of the training was conducted online. I was really impressed by the organization provided by the Centre For Family Literacy with this training. Well laid out materials were provided and all communication throughout the training was clear and timely.

The Training and Services Coordinator was always available for support and I felt there was always someone available for troubleshooting. The Trainers for each module were thoughtful, respectful and insightful in their feedback.

The content of each module and the assignments that were required were thought provoking and rigorous. I have taught several undergraduate courses in literacy and early childhood education and felt that participants in this training are completing the equivalent of an undergraduate course. I support this level of expectation in the future provided that there is an Introduction To Family Literacy training opportunity for those who would prefer to have an orientation to the field of family literacy without going more deeply. (Fiona)

2. Has your experience with Foundational Training had any impact on the way you conduct your practice of family literacy? Please explain any changes/modifications you have made in your approach, your programming, or your interactions with participants, colleagues or community partners.

Since taking the training, what currently comes to mind is an attitude adjustment, so when working with families what’s important is focusing on their strengths rather than trying to go in to ‘fix’ the families. When implementing workshops I try to incorporate feedback and input from participants as much as possible, valuing what’s being said and reminding them that they are the experts of their children. Also letting them know that we all learn from one another and that there is no wrong answer to questions being discussed…Everyone has the right to be a better parent. When determining time, location, etc. of programming, I look at what suits the parents, rather than myself or the agency I’m working with. Same with interactions with community partners – I get input as to what their parents want. (Anne)

Since completing the course, I feel that my whole outlook has changed. Instead of family literacy groups, I am seeing individuals and family units and look to see what we can do for them. I have more of an insight into what makes them and their needs unique. I am more flexible in my thinking and my approach to the programs. I want this to be the approach to our programs— respect and consideration given to the individuals and families and more flexibility to the classes and the way they are conducted. It is not that we have not done this before, but we will do it better and with knowledge as to why we should. (Donna)

I continue to reflect upon the Foundational training as I continue my work in family literacy. I am now much more aware of adult literacy issues and continue to work with others to build community partnerships that are based on respect and reciprocity. I valued having the opportunity to revisit the work of Paulo Freire and to consider the implications of taking a critical participatory approach to our work. It was affirming to be reminded of the role of literacy practitioners as “researchers, dreamers, artists and learners.” This training also caused me to re-examine the divisions that are often created across sectors. A lot of my experience has been in the K-12 school system. This experience has deepened my respect for others who work in the field of family literacy. (Fiona)

3. The most important reason for taking professional development and training is to improve results for our program participants. Do you think that your participation in Foundational Training has had any direct or indirect impact on the participants in your family literacy program?

I certainly hope so. I think it’s important to understand the dynamics of working with parents as well as knowledge of child development so that you can gear the programming to that and, as a result, have an effective program. So for example, by being more sensitive to the needs of parents and focusing on their strengths, I have found that they are more apt to open up and share information. And by empowering them, their self-esteem is enhanced and they not only take information from the session, but I think they are also more motivated and confident to put it into practice. (Anne)

I feel that this course has made some impact within our programs. Discussion with the facilitators is on a different level and the focus is more on the participants instead of the program. More change will come once they have also taken this course. (Donna)

I am not sure that I can speak to any direct impact on the participants in my family literacy program at this point. I know that I am constantly thinking and reflecting upon the content of the training and often revisit the manual for specific quotes or charts. For example I was thinking about a presentation I will be doing this weekend and remembered a particular quote from Freire that would be perfect for this purpose. It is “Reading is not walking on words it is grasping the soul of them” (Freire 1985, p18). For me the Foundational Training Resource manual is a living resource that I revisit! (Fiona)

4. Do you have any suggestions for making Foundational Training more effective and/or accessible?

One of the things I would like to know more about is how to support the ESL families and more about how second languages are learned; however, this might not be the proper avenue for this type of training. It seems as if a lot of the spoken languages, along with their cultures, are becoming extinct and I wonder if that is due to lack of support? If you have any information on this, I would love to know more.(Anne)

I feel that the Foundational Training in Family Literacy is very worthwhile and I feel it should be compulsory for all administrator and facilitators of Family Literacy programs. (Donna)

This was my first experience in an online training community so I am unable to compare it to any other. As a learner, I value opportunities for small group interaction and was looking forward to participating in a small group discussion process online. At times I felt that our small group conversations, which were required during each module, were somewhat stilted and felt artificial. I’m not sure I can pinpoint why this was the case or offer recommendations; it just felt at times like “homework” rather than a genuine opportunity for dialogue. This comment is not intended in any way to be disrespectful of my group colleagues or the instructors who valiantly tried to pose thoughtful and engaging questions for discussion. From my perspective Foundational Training could be more effective if the online discussion piece could be refined to meet participants’ needs.

I believe this training needs to be accessible to all and wonder about regional opportunities for networking and face-to-face opportunities as well as online. I know that in British Columbia we would like to offer a variety of delivery methods for training.

I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback to this exemplary training process. I look forward to ongoing involvement with Foundational training as it rolls out nationally. Thank you to the Next Steps Committee of Foundational Training in Family Literacy as they continue this important work. (Fiona)

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