Adult Literacy Intervention Strategies that ACTUALLY Work

Teachers who take on the task of adult literacy intervention must recognize strategies which can be used to make teaching simple. Luckily, there are strategies teachers can use to take on these seemingly daunting tasks.

For starters, you can visit our Teachers Pay Teachers for FREE worksheets, flash cards, and other tools that will make your job as an interventionist easier. And if that’s not already enough, here are some of the best adult literacy intervention strategies every teacher should consider!

Top 5 adult literacy intervention strategies

Flexible Learning Opportunities

Often, adult learners who enroll in education programs come from diverse backgrounds. This means that programs designed to integrate adult literacy intervention need to be flexible.

Your may need to adjust your curriculum depending on the group of individuals you’re working with. Consider giving students multiple options regarding pace of instruction, method of assessment, and content. Structuring your classroom based on how your students learn best will improve learning.

Obtain Feedback

Most teachers understand the importance of giving feedback, but when it comes to receiving, they don’t always recognize its value. It’s important to get feedback from students who are participating in your adult literacy intervention courses.

Feedback can come in multiple forms including written, emailed, or surveyed. Regardless of format, you should request constructive criticism regularly in order to help you adjust your courses. Keep an open mind when listening to the opinions of your students, as this personal feedback can help you grow as a teacher.

literacy feedback

Create an Environment for Success

Students enjoy feeling as though their opinions related to education are validated. Create an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their opinions, responding to questions, and participating.

When working in adult literacy intervention settings, creating a comfortable environment means allowing students to participate without judgment, encouraging their contribution on various lessons, and grading assignments fairly.

Focus on Practicality

Being practical with expectations is important while working with adult learners. Use approaches that meet students where they are, taking into account their previous experiences and future expectations.

Try incorporating facts and examples from pop culture into your teaching, especially those which relate directly to students’ lives. Your lessons will be more relatable, and the practical applications you teach will help adult learners as they move forward in life. 

Have Fun

One final strategy to use for adult literacy intervention is to have fun. It sounds silly, but adult learners will be more engaged in lessons when they have fun. Motivation will support their learning and allow them to pick up on lessons effectively.

Final words

Adult literacy interventions are not as daunting as they may seem at first glance. There are plenty of simple strategies you can use to make the process of teaching and learning easier as well as communities dedicated to fostering positive learning environments for these initiatives. Connect with us for teacher tips, resources, and support as you embark on your journey teaching adult literacy intervention!

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