July 16, 2008

Meeting the Yearning for Learning!

Tom Sticht
International Consultant in Adult Education

We are now in the second half of 2008 and I have had the pleasure of
speaking before some 2000 adult literacy teachers, students,
administrators, and community supporters of adult literacy. To date, my
speaking schedule has taken me to Florida, Connecticut, Delaware,
Massachusetts, Georgia, and New Mexico.

I organized one of my presentations around the theme of Meeting the Yearning
for Learning, to emphasize a number of important findings of professional
wisdom and research stretching back over some 100 years. I used the word
YEARNING as a mnemonic to discuss these findings. I have had a number of
requests for a copy of the overview of the mnemonic, so here it is.

Meeting the Y E A R N I N G for Learning

Y - Yes you can! Si se pueda!
Case study #1: Hundreds of thousands of adults who were told they could not
succeed did in fact succeed when given a chance!

E - Education and learning are never too late!
Case study #2: The Opportunity Schools of South Carolina showed in
scientific studies that both African-American and White adults can learn in
adult education programs!

A - Adults are enrolling in education by the millions!
Case Study #3: Enrollments in the Adult Education and Literacy System of the
United States from 1965 to 2005 exceeded 100 million and continues to serve
millions each year!

R - Relevant education is what adults want!
Case Study #4: Given available choices, adults tend to participate in and
are retained longer in programs that meet their primary personal goals.

N - New technologies make learning easier and more fun!
Case Study #5: Teachers, books, computers, and peer instruction in workplace
literacy and numeracy programs boost achievement.

I - Integrated LLN programs work! (Language, Literacy, Numeracy)
Case Study #6: Functional Context Education makes for effective and
efficient learning in adult LLN programs.

N- Never give up!
Case Study #7: Persistence in learning takes place in and out of class and
from one class to the next and can be influenced by adult literacy
teachers.

G- Goals can be achieved!
Case Study #8: Goal achievements in learning, diplomas, post-secondary
education, employment, and advancement at work are hallmarks of the Adult
Education and Literacy System

Now the second half of the year is upon us and I will be wrapping up my
speaking schedule for 2008. For those who may be interested, following is
an updated listing of dates, venues, and contacts for my speaking
engagements through December 2008.

1. August 6, 2008. Winston-Salem, North Carolina. North Carolina Community
College System Basic Skills and Family Literacy Conference. Contact: Katie
Waters, Email: watersk at nccommunitycolleges.edu

2. September 9, 2008. Hartford, Connecticut. Contact: Andy Tyskiewicz,
Email: atyskiewicz at crec.org

3. September 11, 2008. Greensboro, North Carolina. North Carolina Literacy
Association. Contact: Jennifer Gore, Email: jgore at readingconnections.org

4. October 9, 2008. Bloomington, Illinois. Annual conference, Central
Illinois Adult Education Service Center. Contact: Rebecca Metternich,
Email: RS-Metternich at wiu.edu

5. October 22, 2008. San Diego, California. San Diego Coalition for
Literacy. Contact: Jose Cruz, Email: jcruz at literacysandiego.org

6. December 5, 2008. Bloomingdale, Illinois. Adult Education Service Center
for Northern Illinois. Contact: Laurie Bercovitz,
bercovitz at thecenterweb.org

I charge no fee for any of these workshops or presentations, but sponsors
must pay travel expenses and make all arrangements for the events. Contact
me at tsticht at aznet.net if you want to arrange for a presentation in your
area.

Thomas G. Sticht
International Consultant in Adult Education
2062 Valley View Blvd.
El Cajon, CA 92019-2059
Tel/fax: (619)444-9595,
Email: tsticht at aznet.net