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.
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Episodes
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Today we're diving into the shift from traditional paper-based systems to the interconnected world of the internet. We'll examine how this transition has transformed our access to information, reshaped our learning practices, and redefined literacy in the internet age. Join us as we shed light on how the internet era is reshaping our approach to knowledge, learning, and literacy.
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
In today's episode we are talking about an essential yet challenging and time-consuming activity in literacy programming: follow up.
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Join us in part three of the structured reading series, as we delve into fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies for learners of all ages. Discover practical techniques like repeated reading, echo reading, and the use of graphic organizers to help build strong literacy skills and foster a love of reading.
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Today, we're going to be exploring a topic that every educator has encountered at some point: conflict.
Join us as we unpack the causes of these conflicts, explore strategies for resolutions and share insights on how to create a supportive learning environment.
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
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.
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.