How We
Learn
Learning Connection: March/April 2018
At
a recent tutor orientation, I told a story of a 71-year-old learner who
enrolled in Carlsbad City Library’s Literacy program.
One of the attendees asked, "Can she really learn
at that age?"
The
answer is a resounding "Yes!" In fact, the learner went on to earn
her high school diploma.
Research
shows that the brain is elastic—meaning that it can adapt, change and
reorganize, regardless of age. However, if you’ve tried to learn something new,
such as a language, hobby, sport or simply how to use a smartphone, it can be
frustrating. We want to learn, and we want to learn now.
In
this issue of the Learning Connection, you'll discover how adults learn, tips
for working with individual strengths when learning something new, and tutoring
ideas from our
diligent pairs.
As
a tutor, I feel that I can best communicate the meaning of words using
Kinesthetic Intelligence. I find it easier sometimes to express word meaning
through expression and
gestures. ~ Tutor Lora B.
I
feel I learn best when I use my interpersonal/social intelligence. I have been
able to grasp the English language more easily through conversation. Through discussion
with my tutor, it helps me use words in proper context and to memorize words
more easily. ~
Learner Ying H.
Souad’s
big goal is to pass the U.S. Citizenship test. We use word lists to help her prepare
for the reading/writing portion of the test. Souad can read all the highlighted
words and is making progress every week. ~ Tutor Sylvia W.
The
Phono-Graphix program has been very useful to help Brenda learn sounds and new
words. Every one of our sessions also includes a spelling test. I also ask
Brenda to use each new vocabulary word in a sentence to make sure she
understands the definition.
Both
of these practices have proved valuable in her learning. ~ Tutor Mary Lou S.
I
have learned to better communicate with others. I feel more comfortable getting
into conversations with other people. I’m very blessed to have Mary Lou as a tutor.
She helps a lot to improve my English skills,and I’m moving forward because of
that. ~
Learner Brenda M
