ERIC Number: EJ1408713
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 4
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
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Flexible Professional Development (PD) Strengthens Volunteer Tutor Community
Megan Bowers; Yilin Wendland-Liu
COABE Journal: The Resource for Adult Education, v12 n2 p126-129 2023
The Adult Tutoring Program within the Literacy Center of West Michigan has been running monthly professional developments (PDs) (known as tutor in-services) for volunteer tutors since early 2021. All in-services fit into at least one of the categories of strategies, life skills, civics, next steps, or digital literacy. The team has been able to take full advantage of flexible delivery methods, including in-person, online, and hybrid meetings, with varying days and times each month. As a result, the in-services yield 10-15 participants on average. Frequent and flexible PDs also enable the team to evaluate the gaps in current services, as well as identify and invite community partners to collaborate. In comparison to an exclusively in-person and staff-run model prior to the pandemic, the current model allows the program to adapt to the changes of learner demographics, strengthen the bond between the tutor and the learner, and better serve their learning goals. As the program supports tutors to work with adult learners in a one-on-one setting, it is crucial that tutors feel supported and that their knowledge is updated to support learners' goals.
Descriptors: Tutoring, Adult Education, Volunteers, Behavioral Objectives, Tutors, Professional Development, Adult Literacy, English Language Learners, Partnerships in Education, Community Involvement, Program Effectiveness
Coalition on Adult Basic Education. PO Box 1820 Cicero, NY 13039. Tel: 888-442-6223; e-mail: journal@coabe.org; Web site: https://coabe.org/coabe-journal/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Adult Education
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Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Michigan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A