Introduction to Ongoing Training Modules

These modules will help you deliver training to experienced literacy tutors. They provide the structure and materials for comprehensive ongoing training. They can be used by staff in individual literacy programs or by programs that combine to offer joint training. For all programs they will ensure a high standard of training, use of best practices, and consistency with other programs.

Tutors should have already completed introductory training to the standard described in the Trainer’s Manual which is included in Literacy Volunteer Resources. We have assumed that the tutors will be familiar with the Handbook for Literacy Tutors which is written for tutors and provides reference information about working in adult literacy for both new and experienced tutors.

Literacy Volunteer Resources and Handbook for Literacy Tutors can be obtained from Grassroots Press, P.O. Box 52192, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2T5. More information can be found at their website: www.literacyservices.com.

As a trainer, you can select information and training activities that are relevant to your needs and those of your tutors. There is a menu of activities to choose from in each module. The activities described in the modules will give tutors the information necessary to meet the outcomes of the training. Like the Handbook for Literacy Tutors these modules can be put into a three-ring binder to which you can add your own training agenda, activities and notes.

Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the structure and content of each module. Suggestions are offered as a guide and are not intended to be prescriptive.

We have used “you” or “the trainer” to refer to the person responsible for training literacy tutors. We have referred to the learner as “he” and the employer as “she.” The genders were chosen randomly by a coin toss and are not intended to exclude anyone. It has been a difficult task to clearly identify the many players in these modules. Trainers are teaching tutors to teach learners. Sometimes the trainers are role playing tutors while tutors are role playing learners. We hope we have not confused you!

Each module will use a variety of teaching methods to help tutors become more proficient at finding and adapting resources to meet their learners’ needs. Tutors will also practise breaking work into manageable chunks and incorporating a variety of resources and strategies, including the development of demonstrations and the use of the computer to create and deliver materials that are relevant and help learners achieve their goals. There will be a lot of emphasis on encouraging learners to work on their speaking, listening, self-management and self-direction skills.