Whatcom Literacy Council Website

ELL Tutor Report

ALP Tutor Report

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2012 Summer Break

"My only complaint is that there aren't more classes and options," declared a Meridian School District Learner who just completed a 6-week Rosetta Stone lab class. That sentiment was echoed by the majority of learners at both Shuksan Middle School and Meridian High School. Over 30 parents and/or adult community members participated in these classes and in most cases learners walked away with more English skills, more confidence and a desire to continue with lab work.

On the outside, one could easily perceive computer labs as being less interactive and therefore less effective than work in the traditional classroom setting. In most instances, a computer cannot provide all the instruction that a learner will require, therefore labs like these are designed to supplement additional classes and tutoring, rather than replace traditional learning practices. That having been said, the 6-week lab classes had higher rates of learner retention than traditional classes and learner progress was much easier to track. In addition, learners can work at their own pace and level.

Before we look at some of the learner comments, I'd like to thank Summer Ostlund, Ann McAllen and all of the volunteer assistants for expertly facilitating these classes. Your encouragement and support not only enabled language learning, it encouraged learners to become more comfortable with technology in general.

Here's what some of our learners from Shuksan M.S. and Meridian H.S. had to say:

The thing I liked most was getting perfect examples and explanations for English study. 

Pronunciation was the most helpful.

Being able to talk to the computer and pronounce the words.

After three days, I felt so confident, I called my son's principal and I wasn't as nervous.

I love how much repetition and practice I get with Rosetta Stone.

I didn't feel foolish because no teacher was staring at me for the answer.

Tutors, please encourage your learners to take these lab classes when they are offered. In September, there will be more classes available including Rosetta Stone and Computer Basics.

Learner: Nuriya

1. How did you hear about us?    

Referred from a friend in Bellingham.

2.Where are you from?    

Iraq

3. Describe what your life was like in your home country?    

Simple, happy, born and raised with a large family.

4. When did you come to the United States?      

July 7, 2009

5. What are some of your hopes and dreams?    

To become a U.S. Citizen, learn to read and write to be able to more active in my children's lives and get a job.

6. What are you currently working on with your tutor?      

Reading and spelling.

7. What goals have you accomplished and/or plan to accomplish?    

I read better already, gain enough confidence to be able to get a driver's license and a job.

8. Why is the Literacy Council important to you and the community?    

It helps me and others like me to communicate better to become more active in our communities.

Tutor: Marie

1. What have been some of the most challenging and rewarding aspects about being a tutor?

 The challenge for me has been to make sure that my learner always walks away from each session a little closer to her literacy goal than when she came in. The rewarding aspect is having the opportunity to play such an important role in someone's life. Helping your learner to achieve something as valuable as literacy, while at the same time watching them build their self-confidence, is quite gratifying for me!  

2. Why is the Literacy Council important to you and to the community?

As a new member of this community, the Literacy Council has been especially important to me. It has given me the opportunity to meet new people, as well as be a part of an organization that has a direct impact in helping people to improve the quality of their lives through literacy.

3. What advice would you give someone who is just starting the tutoring process?

My advice would be to keep your standards as a tutor high while remembering to keep your expectations within your learners' ability level. Also, keep your sense of humor!! It makes your tutoring sessions much more relaxed and fun!