My first Magazine KWETB Autumn Brochure 2017 A5 [hi-res] Final | Page 134

Ref lections of an
Adult Literacy Tutor
Looking back on my time as an Adult Literacy
volunteer tutor, having students who need one
to one tuition, I realize how lucky I am to be
able to assist adults, who for various reasons
don’t have the ability to read, write or do
maths ably enough to live their lives as they
would wish. This lack of basic skills tends to
lead to a detrimental lack of self-confidence.
Although an early school leaver myself, I was
fortunate to have been able to pursue my
career at a time when entrance tests were
a pathway for those who didn’t have the
necessary qualifications. I also had the backing
of my family and tutors who believed in my
ability to get through college work, which I did.
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I love the challenge that each new student
brings, in drawing on any knowledge I have of
a particular subject that interests them. This I
have found is the surest way of engaging adults
and the trust they place in me is an honour to
have. I find myself having to update knowledge
regularly and that reminds me how difficult
it can be for an adult who is approaching a
subject for the first time and helps me to have
patience when a subject I am familiar with is
difficult for a student to grasp.
Each student has their own goal, their
own reason for returning to education and
although some do drop out on the way; I hope
that what they have learnt will help them and
maybe allow them to return when they are
more ready to do so. I have seen the ripple
effect that can run through the family from my
literacy work – it can be as simple as a parent
understanding the importance of books in a
child’s life or where one learner will spread the
word at home resulting in a member of the
younger generation also coming forward for
classes.
It takes a lot of courage for an adult student
to look for help with gaps in literacy and each
student has very, very different needs. Being
able to discuss and get help from fellow tutors
and the ALO enables me to tailor lessons
to each student’s requirements and to fill
the gaps in my own knowledge. It’s lifelong
learning for both of us.
Maura, Baltinglass FETC