adultslearning spring 2012

page 38

43 Making open educational practices a reality The concept of open educational resources has gained ground in the last decade but they are still not being used extensively. Grainne Conole and Eta De Cicco ask how we can ensure a better uptake and enhance the quality of shared resources

46 Learners need face-to-face advice In times of economic hardship, it is crucial that adults and young people alike get the impartial and informed support they need to make the right choices. Professional, face-to-face guidance is essential in making the most of the information available, writes Lynne Sedgmore

34 A challenge we can’t afford to shirk Welsh ministers have an opportunity to look again at how best to coordinate efforts to meet the needs of ESOL learners. Concerns raised by practitioners in the field suggest they need to take it, writes Cerys Furlong

36 The joy of reading groups Reading groups have a cosy, suburban image – but NIACE, through its Quick Reads outreach work, has been working to challenge the stereotype, says Sue Southwood

38 Big books and small marvels The Reader Organisation’s Get into Reading programme is all about getting people together in groups to engage with serious books. The groups are mixed and the participants sometimes challenging, but the outcomes are often remarkable, writes Paul Stanistreet

Kirstie Worswick East Midlands Regional Adult Learners’ Week Award

Kirstie Worswick, of Glossop in Derbyshire, had to overcome prejudice to succeed in a male-dominated industry. On entering further education in 2007, she took courses in vehicle body and paint operations, achieving Level 3 in record time. She then started a job in vehicle paint repair and enrolled with Derbyshire Adult Continuing Education to study City and Guilds welding courses, progressing from Level 1 to Level 3 in just 16 months. Kirstie won the Automotive Custom Paint Competition in 2008.

Soon after, she enrolled at the University of Derby through Buxton College and gained ABC Level 2 Welding, as well as a Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) qualification. She has since completed ABC Level 3 Welding and aims to use her PTLLS qualification to teach welding at Buxton College. Her efforts were recognised last year in an Adult Learners’ Week Award.

SPRING 2012 ADULTS LEARNING

3c The Reader Organisation

c Williams Photo Agency