Consistency: A consistent tutor can help the learning
process. Learners should always know what is expected of them. Learners
should always know what they could expect of the tutor. A tutor that is
always serious about a learner’s learning and effort will probably
find that learner is more attentive and willing to learn. It is essential
that the tutor is committed to the learning relationship, as needing to
change tutors can be disheartening and disruptive.
Practice at Home: Literacy skills can be practised with
learners during their daily routine. Lessons can be taught during cooking,
shopping, doing repair and maintenance projects and participating in recreation.
Regularity: Learning activities should be scheduled at
regular times. It is best to teach when you know things will be quiet, unhurried,
and free from distractions.
Limits: If frustration or weariness becomes evident in
the learning process, taking a break or stopping for the day is recommended.
Knowing when to stop is important. Starting again at a different time may
prove more useful than pressing on. Try to be aware of signs of stress or
frustration in the learner’s behaviour.
Adapted from:
Kathleen Donohue & Patricia O’Haire. The Parent as Teacher:
A Practical Guide for Parents of Developmentally Disabled Adults. Boca
Raton, FL: Florida Adult and Comuunity Education Network (ACENET), 1991.
Adapted from: