Recent Tools and Trends in English Language Literacy and Social Networking Literature Search

This summary highlights findings related to instruction, especially in the context of English Language Learners (ELL) and reading, writing and telling stories.  It also concentrates on use of technology, a tool that can motivate while providing implementation challenges for adult literacy programs.

Summary of Points from Recent Reports

• There is little research on adult literacy and adult English Language Learners (ELL).  The findings for these reports were thus based, in part, on other populations.  Because of this, more research needs to be done to confirm whether or not the findings apply to adult literacy.
• Adult ELL in the United States are very diverse.  Their education levels range from those who are highly educated with advanced college degrees to those who cannot read or write in their home language.  Those who come from countries where the home language is based on the alphabet rather than symbols generally have an easier time learning English.
• Adults who cannot read or write in their home language need more intensive instruction.  This instruction may be more productive if they initially learn to read and write their home language as a bridge to reading, writing and speaking English.
• Adults learn best when instruction is learner centered and based on authentic instruction that can be immediately applied to their daily life.  Tutors need to find ways to develop learner centered lessons for their students.  
• Writing is a necessary skill for many jobs and daily life.  It also is important to reinforce reading and writing English.  Writing is a complex process which can be broken down into planning, text production, evaluation and revision.  Poor writers do not know how to rewrite, and they rarely consider their audience as they write.  Tutors need to work with ELL learners to help them build their vocabulary to speak and read English better.  Tutors and students need to work together so that learners have multiple ways to easily practice writing.  Tutors also need to write stories along with students to model what they teach.

VALF Board Meeting -- September 20

VALF is holding their monthly board meeting tomorrow.

Upcoming Adult Conferences

I guess there is not a national conference that is really dedicated to the needs of volunteer literacy programs, their students, tutors and program managers any more. ProLiteracy, a membership organization for volunteer programs, now calls its conference the United States Conference on Adult Literacy (USCAL).  In the initial description, I don't even see the word, volunteer. 

The ProLiteracy Conference is in Houston, November 2.  Their registration is open. I guess there is not enough money today to hold a conference 100% for volunteers.  Years ago, when I went to my first volunteer conference, it was so motivating, to be around committed volunteers and program managers.  I know there is the need to partner and applaud that--but I also think there is a place for more for volunteer programs. 

Please post in comments whether or not you are attending--or presenting at the USCAL.   VALF would like to capture the Florida presence there.

Smart Phone Apps -- Not Just Momma Bell's Phone

Ways to learn continue to evolve.  Collaborative learning is now possible because of social networking and the new media.  New technologies accommodate different learning styles than pen and paper lessons, and smart phones put the potential for learning in the hands of many.   E-books are becoming more mainstream in 2011, and one of the newest tools being used today is the smart phone.

Your phone comes with the ability to record video, an easy way to record a dialog for your student.  They can then listen to it, practice and send you their practice session.  

If you don't want to use video, there are Apps that can be downloaded to turn a phone into a tape recorder.  Students can record their audio stories through a traditional recording on this.   

There are even Apps that capture a person’s vacation with photos, audio and writing.  One of the popular ones is (My Vacation).  There is a free lite version that will capture one trip.  To do more, pay $2.99 to ITunes.   

Even a humorous program like Talking Tom can provide a silly way for an ELL to practice speaking English and send a short story to their tutor via their Smart Phone.  The the basic version is free but can be enhanced if you pay.

Smart Phones and Literacy

Smart phones are the newest technology tutors and students can use to build up literacy skills.  If you think that only rich people have smart phones, read this post to learn more about who has a phone.

Free Workshop on Working with Low Level New Readers on October 22

Sharon Jaskula is presenting the Fast Track Reading System Workshop on October 22, Saturday in Tampa at the Town' N Country Regional Public Library.  VALF is partnering with the Tampa Hillsborough Public Library to bring you this award winning program developed by the Jacksonville Public Library.  This workshop is for you if you are looking for new strategies to tutor the lowest level adults in basic reading. Sharon will cover the relationship between sounds and syllables. Check out the workshop flyer for more information.   

Sharon presenting the workshop at Tavares.

To register email your name, name of program and email address to VALFlorida@hotmail.com. .  Put Fast Track Workshop in the subject line.

Audience at Tavares workshop in Lake County

The mission of VALF is to enhance and promote the abilities of individuals and organizations to provide direct and indirect literacy instruction to adults and families in need through volunteer service.  We are funded by memberships and donations.

What's a Glog?

Or you might want try your hand at including a glog in your lessons. Glogster,  http://glogster.com

which allows the creation of public or private “glogs” mixing graphics, photos, videos, music and text.

ESOL Learners who use multiple media in digital storytelling amplify their sense of authorship and find deeper meaning in what they want to say through the process of combining modes.