Accreditation of Adult
Literacy Tutors
Literacy Methodologies
South Tipperary VEC Adult
Learning Centre
1
Background
Once an Adult Literacy Centre’s Initial Tutor
Training Programme has been validated by
Waterford Institute of Technology
existingtutors can then present a portfolio
to gain accreditation in Adult Literacy
Methodologies 1.
This is one of the modules on the Institute’s
Higher Certificate in Literacy Development
Programme.
This module is worth 10 credits at level 6 on
South Tipperary VEC Adult
National Qualifications
Framework
Learning Centre
2
Portfolio
Those wishing to gain acreditation must submit
in portfolio format the folowing
assignments1. Develop 3 consecutive lesson plans covering
one short-term goal.
2. Produce a personal reflection ( Learning
Journal) on
My understanding of my role as an Adult
Literacy Tutor.
South Tipperary VEC Adult
Learning Centre
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Lesson Plans
Must contain
1. Profile of student.- Background of
difficulties/coping skills/ current level ( try
to be specific).
2. Ensure confidentiality etc ( no names).
3. Describe how you negotiated, communicated
around, and agreed short and long -term
goals,
4. Describe one short-term goal and show how
you will break it down into learning outcomes
for the three lessons.
South Tipperary VEC Adult
Learning Centre
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Lesson Plans cont’
5. Present the three plans you have
devised to tackle the short-term goal.
These must include6. Activities tasks ( content of lesson)
7.Timings of the lesson.
8. (Very important) Outline methods used
– The approaches you take to facilitate
student knowledge, skills, understanding.
South Tipperary VEC Adult
Learning Centre
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Lesson Plans Cont’
9. Include any materials samples of handouts,
worksheets.
( particularly those devised by you taking account
of student’s learning preferences)
Examples of student work would enhance the
folder. This would need to be negotiated and
agreed with student. But remember they will have
total anonimity.
South Tipperary VEC Adult
Learning Centre
6
Lesson Plans Cont’
10. Finally a written evaluation of how each
lesson went.
What worked well ?
What didn’t?
What can be developed or enhanced for
future sessions?
Include learner’s comments or written work
as appropriate.
South Tipperary VEC Adult
Learning Centre
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Do’s and Don’ts
Do
- Put a structure on lessons- Intro, Development,
Conclusion
- Spend time negotiating short-term goals.
-Outline methods in some detail – eg use ‘We
worked on spelling using a multi-sensory approach
‘look say method’instead of ‘We worked on spelling’.
- Show that you used some assessment techniquesQuestioning /Point and say/ Checksheet/Worksheet
etc.
South Tipperary VEC Adult
Learning Centre
8
Do’s and Don’ts cont’
Don’t-Write up the plans retrospectively.
-Work on more than one short-term goal.
- Forget to include evaluation your’s and
student’s
- worry if the student doesn’t grasp
everything by end of third session we
know our practice is not like that . It
could take many!!
South Tipperary VEC Adult
Learning Centre
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Personal Reflection
750-1000 Words
Reflection on the attitudes, skills and knowledge
you have learned since you became a literacy
tutor.
With reference to –
1. Tutor/Student Relationship. ( What’s
important?)
2. Impact of literacy difficulties on student (s)
lives.( awareness, empathy, attitudes to
learning)
3. Comparative between ‘school’ based education
Tipperary Literacy
VEC Adult
model and that South
of Adult
( principles).
Learning Centre
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Do’s and Don’ts
Do-Try to give examples from your work with learners
to develop the points you make in the journal.
-Keep it as a personal account! It’s not an essay so
the format is looser.
-Refer to your role and the many things it entails
and what parts you’re comfortable with and what
parts need developing
- Be reflective and forthright- that’s how we gain
insight into our practice as tutors.
South Tipperary VEC Adult
Learning Centre
11
Do’s and Don’ts Cont
Don’t
-Drift off the point or engage in telling
anecdotes.
-Be afraid to be reflective and tell it like it is.
-Forget to proof-read your work before
submitting it.
-Lose sight of presenting an account of how
you have developed as a tutor in terms of the
knowledge , skills and attitudes you have
gained.
South Tipperary VEC Adult
Learning Centre
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