Learner Support

Learner Retention

Ask learners about their barriers to participation.
Brainstorm possible solutions with learners.
Have a list of community resources that can help.
Provide an orientation for new learners.
Set realistic and achievable goals.
Ensure learners see progress with short-term goals, authentic activities and assessments.
Involve your learners in class planning.
Focus all instruction on learners’ daily communication needs and specific goals.
Build community between program participants.
Journal with learners – exchange short letters to connect and practice writing.
Send personal notes (birthday, congratulations, encouragement, etc.)
Encourage learners to support each other.
Make sure learners know they are missed when they are absent.
Ask learners why they leave your program, and use the data to improve programs.
Require quality training and professional development for all tutors and instructors.
Recognize achievement and celebrate successes.

Resources:
“Learner Persistence in Adult Basic Education” from NCSALL: www.ncsall.net/fileadmin/resources/teach/lp.pdf

“Recruitment and Retention of Students for Literacy Programs” from the NCFL Comprehensive Recruitment and Retention Toolkit. http://www.cal.org/caela/esl_resources/digests/BROD.html

How do we recognize and celebrate learner successes?

Awards and certificates
Goal achievement
Program completion
Attendance
Nominate an outstanding achievement learner for Wisconsin Literacy’s statewide award.

Board/Wall of recognition