Mobilizing People

Adult Learner Focus groups

Findings from focus groups of adult learners

Learning from OLC’s focus groups with adult literacy learners is summarized below.

Motivation to enroll in a literacy program

In all cases, a specific event or person had inspired the participants to enroll in a literacy program. Losses of a job or the need to upgrade skills for work were factors. Many participants wanted to be able to read to their children (nieces, nephews, grandchildren), help with homework, or set an example. In some cases, Ontario Works had made it a condition of receiving assistance.

All participants indicated the importance of support and encouragement provided by family members, friends, teachers, co-workers, fellow learners and social workers. These people were often responsible for helping the learners to find out about available literacy programs. Several of the Hamilton group mentioned seeing promotion on literacy in their community.

Once the decision had been made to improve their literacy skills, many sought help immediately. Those who took longer cited fear, embarrassment and personal problems as reasons. All of the learners were initially afraid of failure. Many had been out of school for a long time. Some worried what friends or co-workers would say if they found out.

Benefits of literacy programs

These concerns have been replaced with positive feelings. They see improvement and feel good about themselves. E.g. ‘I was so terrified I couldn’t even write my name. Now I’m doing it for me.’ They are encouraged by the friendliness, acceptance and lack of pressure. The learners like both group work and one- on -one specific help. They feel everyone is helpful and they enjoy working at their own pace.

They are very proud of what they are able to do after having joined a literacy program. Their achievements list included: read to my child, write a lot better, help others, spell big words, use Interac, turn on a computer, read a newspaper, use a dictionary, and complete a crossword puzzle.

These accomplishments have inspired them to work towards specific goals. A good number of the learners wanted to complete Grade 12. Some would continue on to community college. Many wanted to work in the community as tutors and day-care, personal care or social workers.

What adult learners would say to others

The positive feelings that participants had about themselves and the programs were reflected in the words of encouragement they would offer to someone who was unable to read or write. “I’m learning a lot. It’s a good program.” “I went there and learned how to read and write. You can do it, too.” “You’ve got to get motivated. You’re not an isolated case.” “If I can do it, so can you.” They also recognized that there had to be personal motivation: “People won’t do it unless they believe in themselves.”

It was felt that the availability of literacy programs was not well known. Some suggested putting a team together to spread the word at companies, unemployment offices, and libraries.