Watch for a new resource,
sponsored by CCLOW and
funded by the National
Literacy Secretariat,
But I'm Not a Therapist
But I'm Not a Therapist examines in-depth,
the links for women between literacy learning and trauma. It is based on a
national research study that revealed the wide range of impacts that trauma has
on adult learning. A large percentage of the women who come to adult literacy
programs have experienced or are currently experiencing violence in their
lives. This experience of violence negatively impacts on their ability to
improve their literacy skills. Literacy programs and other educational programs
have not integrated this reality into their work. This research makes it clear
that without an acknowledgement of the impacts of trauma on learning, women,
rather than getting a chance to succeed and improve their literacy skills, get
only a chance to fail, to confirm to them selves that they really can NOT
learn.
This book is directed to all those involved in the
adult literacy field. It will also be of interest to other educators of adults
and social activists. It is full of clear examples that will be much in demand
by anyone involved in teaching.
The researcher and author, Dr. Jenny Horsman, is a
community educator/researcher with a feminist perspective. Based in Toronto,
she carries out research, writing, curriculum development, training and
facilitation projects in literacy and workplace training. |