STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

1. Have tutors write down on sticky notes a few of the characteristics they bring to this learning experience.
2. Post the notes around the picture of the adult.
3. Put up the overhead and note the similarities and/or differences of the two lists. Usually what we bring to a learning situation is the same as what our learners will bring.
4. Discuss the fact that the characteristics of adult learners differ from those of children and that, as a result, the way adults learn is different from the way children learn. Bring out the concept that we are all learners and that we all come to learning situations with similar characteristics even though we have different experiences and backgrounds.

Materials and equipment

Flip chart and markers

Choose from one of the following videos or choose a similar video that focuses on a learner’s story. Complete information on the videos is available in this unit’s bibliography.

• Creating Learning Partners – Some Learner Stories
• Learning for Life (20 minutes)
• Literacy: The Hidden Problem (15 minutes)
• BLAST Student Speakers’ Bureau TV and VCR

Preparation

Cue the tape to the story you want, if necessary.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

1. Show a video that focuses on learner stories.
2. Create a chart that
   • lists the experiences of tutors as noted in Activity A. Add to the list the experiences of the learners in the video.
   • lists the characteristics noted from Activity B and add any other characteristics from the video
3. Add any points to your list you may have missed, especially those that reflect the learners in your program.
4. Compare the similar learning characteristics of learners and tutors and contrast it with the different backgrounds and experiences of each.
5. The important concept to bring out is that although we all have different experiences, we are all learners and deserve respect.