National Adult Literacy Database

FREDERICTON, N.B. – International Adult Learners’ Week is set aside each year to recognize the importance of learning throughout adult life.  It is a great time to showcase adult learners and how they are engaged in learning at work, at home or in everyday life.

The theme for 2012 – March 24 to April 1 – is “I’m still learning” reflecting the fact that we are all lifelong learners, especially in today’s information economy.

“Change is everywhere in today’s workplace,” says Bill Stirling, CEO of the National Adult Literacy Database (NALD). “New technologies, global competitors, new markets and changing standards or certifications mean that workers today are constantly dealing with change. They have to be continuous learners and problem solvers.”

Tips for engaging adult learners:

• It’s important for employers to be aware of the different skill sets and skill levels of their staff members.
• Don’t wait until skill gaps become apparent. Be sure to include plenty of learning opportunities for employees before any change occurs.
• Work at establishing a culture of learning in the workplace.
• Practitioners have to be imaginative and establish safe, comfortable learning environments for adult learners.
• One-on-one tutoring, culturally sensitive programs and specialized workshops are good alternatives to a traditional classroom setting.
• Encourage participation and the understanding that everyone makes mistakes - no one will be judged.
• Encourage learners to tell their stories. Once they are comfortable with self-expression, they are less apt to hold back when seeking help with new skills.

Sheree Fitch, a well-known Canadian author, storyteller and educator, shares a starter exercise she uses to engage adult learners.

“Tell me or write down a personal metaphor:  how you feel right now in your life.”

Offering her own example of a personal metaphor, Sheree says: “My life is a dot-to-dot puzzle and I’m still trying to figure out what picture I’m trying to make.”

It is important for adult learners to surround themselves with positive people who lend support and whom they can trust, she adds. “Realize you are very brave doing this and no matter how hard, it will be worth it. Try to have fun, too.”

Through NALD’s regular online feature Story of the Week, adult learners get the opportunity and a venue in which to share personal stories of how they were able to overcome obstacles and embark on a learning journey.

Whether they are in the form of narratives, essays or poems, the original stories appear unedited, inspire and contribute to the educational process of other learners.

If you’re an employer or a practitioner with your own tips for engaging adult learners, send them to contactnald@nald.ca and we’ll include them on our site. If you’re an adult learner with a story to share, contact lorette.melanson@nald.ca, our Story of the Week coordinator.

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