Literacy Legacy : Training for Instructors
The adult literacy sector has been developed over the years through the work of many dedicated, long-term literacy workers who have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience. We in the adult literacy field, like many sectors, experienced a notable increase in staff turnover during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused many experienced instructors to reflect on their personal and professional lives and for some, it accelerated their plans to retire. As these literacy specialists retire and exit the field, their wealth of knowledge and experience is at risk of being lost. Associated with this loss is the need for responsive training and mentorship programs for new and upcoming practitioners. To partially address this need, MTML has produced a series of 20 podcasts designed to capture the valuable insights and experiences of seasoned professionals. Welcome to The Literacy Legacy Project. Together, we’re excited to bring you a series of podcasts, dedicated to guiding and inspiring those just starting out in the world of literacy instruction. In each episode, we’ll hear from literacy experts who have spent decades in the field, including some who have retired but continue to share their insights and experiences. From effective teaching techniques to building meaningful connections with learners, they will share practical advice, real-world examples, and proven best practices to help you navigate your journey as a literacy instructor. Join us as we honour the legacy of those who have dedicated their lives to literacy. Tune in and learn from the best!” This project has been made possible with funding from the Peter Gzowski Foundation. The Peter Gzowski Foundation for Literacy is a national body that stewards an endowment dedicated to promoting literacy awareness and supporting adult literacy programming across Canada.
Episodes
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25 minutes ago
25 minutes ago
Today we are diving into a fascinating topic that impacts all of us, especially those involved in education, and that is the nervous system. Many of us have heard of "fight or flight," but there's so much more to understand about how our nervous systems react to the world around us and how those reactions influence learning. Jenny will be talking about the nervous system and how it responds to fear and how that understanding can change our approach to instruction and learning. We will also be understanding how the nervous system can help create a more inclusive and effective learning environment.
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22 hours ago
22 hours ago
Whether you're new or experienced, today's episode is all about preparing your learners for the transition to college-level upgrading.
We understand that entering a college environment can be intimidating. It’s not just about knowing the steps; it’s about equipping learners with the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
Join us as we share practical tips and strategies to guide your students through this crucial transition.
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Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
In today’s episode, we're exploring the distinction between Indigenous adult literacy programs and general adult literacy programs.
While both aim to enhance literacy skills, the approaches, philosophies, and the cultures they draw upon can be strikingly different. Indigenous adult literacy programs not only focus on reading and writing but also weave in traditional knowledge, language preservation, and a deep connection to cultural heritage. Meanwhile, more mainstream adult literacy programs are often shaped by Western educational models, which may not always resonate with or serve Indigenous learners in the same way.
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Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
We're very happy to have Patricia Derby back, who is a longtime literacy practitioner and has had over 30 plus years in helping all ages to learn how to read and overcome challenges.
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Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
In today's episode we're going to explore through conversation an important topic in the world of literacy and learning: the power of referrals. While a number of our past episodes have actually touched on the needs for referrals, especially at the intake stage, in today's conversation, we'll take a closer look at these connections that play a critical role throughout the entire learning process.
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Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In our podcast today, I will be speaking with some key individuals involved in a project called the Progressive Molded Products or PMP. The PMP Workers Action Center and Workers Adult Learning Center developed a groundbreaking approach that combined basic skills training with job search and support services. It showcased successful cross-sectoral partnerships and effective referral processes.
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Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Whether you're an educator or a volunteer; we're diving into a topic that's crucial for success: creating a learning plan for adult learners in literacy programs. Learning isn't just about gaining knowledge. It's about building confidence, achieving personal goals and empowering change in their lives. So why is having a personalized learning plan so important? And how can we make sure it's effective? In this episode we'll explore the benefits of a well-crafted learning plan. The strategies for tailoring it to each individual and how it helps adult learners stay motivated and on track.
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Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
In this episode we will explore the power of structured reading and literacy. We're diving into how the brain learns to read, the shift from whole language to evidence-based strategies, and why it's transformative for adult learners.
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Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
In this episode, we're going to be reflecting on small groups and adult literacy programs and how important they are because it's a combination of effective communication, empathy and structured teaching approach. We will ask two experienced adult literacy practitioners to reflect on the incredible value of writing groups in adult literacy classes. We'll hear how these groups not only build writing confidence but also create connections to ourselves and the world we live in. It will include a process to create and facilitate a success writing group which offers a supportive community where learners can grow, share and learn from each other.
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Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Imagine sitting in a classroom, eyes locked on a math problem you can’t solve. You begin to experience shallow breathing and sweaty palms as the pressure mounts. Today, we’re diving into the often-overlooked world of math anxiety in adult literacy programs, exploring why math feels like an insurmountable challenge for so many adults, and how we can break down the barriers to learning and confidence. To help us unpack this very common reaction to math are 2 experienced teachers who have worked with learners helping them to overcome their fear of math.