•   From practice to theory and back again   •

Of course the use of such tools within community-based adult literacy programs is not new. Indeed, it is likely that Barb had been introduced to one or more of these techniques in an emotionally detached context. What did strike me though was the value of the approach. In the context of the “self-guided pilgrimage” there was no specific time or date set aside for the use of these tools. Drawing on experience, they were used in the moment in direct response to a stated personal need, giving their use (the process) greater meaning for Barb. When used in this context, a sense of detachment is eliminated and the likelihood that Barb—and by extension other participants—will use the methods again to address other concerns is increased. The skills and insights gained by the participants as a result of more meaningful application may then be used to more effectively define learning goals in the usual program sense. The use of the tools in two realms—the emotional and intellectual—also aid in creating awareness of how each aspect contributes to the attainment of individual goals. This is also important in and of itself.1

This differs in application from the usual pre-planned activity intended to encourage thinking related to learning undertaken within the program environment. When used in this context the tools may be used with a sense of detachment by participants, a detachment similar to the one Barb experienced during our “guided tour approach.” Within the literacy program context, the use of text itself as the primary method of relaying information may also contribute to a sense of detachment. This further decreases and may eliminate totally the likelihood of application in other, or similar, contexts. Thus the tools useful for daily living remain in the program environment for use as directed or are forgotten altogether; when Barb and I spoke of the various tools in a later conversation she could not recall having used them prior to the pilgrimage context described above.

1 It is important to note that the intellectual and emotional realms are but two aspects of self that contribute to personal fulfillment and balance; the spiritual and physical realms are equally important but are not within the scope of this paper.