Make Learning Work For You

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Make Learning Work For You
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Welcome

• Explore Learning Preferences
• Make the Most of Adult Basic Education
• Goal Setting
• Paperwork

Starting something new is always the hardest
part.
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Introductions

• Name
• Something you know a lot about or something you
  are good at.
• How did you learn about it?

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What are Learning Preferences?

• The way you tend to learn best.
• Not your abilities or intelligence.
• Why some tasks seem easier than others.

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Improve Learning By Knowing Your Learning
Preferences

• Know your strengths - do more of what youre good
  at.
• Know your weakness - build skills in these areas.
• Use different approaches for different
  situations.
• Adapt to different teaching methods.

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Three Learning Preferences

• Auditory
• Learn By hearing
• Visual
• Learn by seeing
• Kinesthetic
• Learn by doing

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new
start, anyone can start from now and make a brand
new ending." - Carl Bard
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What is Your Preference?

• You use all senses
• Usually one or two are stronger for learning
• Some things are best learned by a combination of
  senses

The future depends on what we do in the present.
Mahatma Gandhi
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If My Preference is Hearing (Auditory)

• When I am reading I could...

• Repeat information silently in my head or out
  loud.
• Study with a partner take turns reading to each
  other.
• Work in quiet areas.

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If My Preference is Hearing (Auditory)

• In the classroom I could...

• Listen to information and instructions.
• Sit away from sources of noise.
• Repeat information silently to myself.

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If My Preference is Seeing (Visual)

• When I am reading I could...

• Reduce visual distractions in my study space
• Make notes colorful
• Use flash cards to help recall information

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If My Preference is Seeing (Visual)

• In the classroom I could...

• Sit where I can see the instructor and visual
  aids well.
• Write down what I hear.
• Review my notes and check for understanding after
  class.

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If My Preference is Doing (Kinesthetic)

• When I am reading I could...

• Highlight, underline or take notes.
• Use my fingers or a piece of paper to keep track
  of where I am.
• If I use my hands when I talk also use them when
  I study to explain things to myself.

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If My Preference is Doing (Kinesthetic)

• In the classroom I could...

• Hold a small object in one hand while the other
  takes notes.
• Use class breaks to stand up and stretch.
• Choose shorter class times.
• Ask questions and participate in discussions.

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Lets try it out

• Three preferences to try out.
• Auditory
• Repeat information silently to myself.
• Visual
• Try to listen and write down what I hear.
• Kinesthetic
• Take a small object and play with in one hand
  while the other takes notes.

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Who we are...

• Adult Basic Education is a grant funded program
  that is free for students.

• We are a staff of 15
• Language Arts Instructors
• Math Instructor
• English as a Second Language Instructor
• Transition to College Instructors
• Early Childhood Instructor
• Counselors
• Secretary
• Administrator

• We are committed to helping you learn!

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What we offer...

• GED Preparation
• College Preparation
• Job Skill Development
• English as a Second Language
• Even Start

Education means inspiring someones mind, not
just filling their head.       - Katie Lusk
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Who we serve...

• 2,581,281students in the U.S. per year
• 3,300 students in Montana per year
• 429,149 in the U. S. passed the GED in 2007
• 2,024 in Montana passed the GED in 2007
• 700 students in Missoula area per year
• 200-250 at a time
• 312 college bound students since 2006

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Trying it out

• How did that work for you?
• Did you notice anything?
• Now lets try another preference
• Auditory
• Repeat information silently to myself.
• Visual
• Listen and write down what you hear.
• Kinesthetic
• Take a small object and play with in one hand
  while the other takes notes.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence,
therefore, is not an act but a habit.Aristotle
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Starting our program

• Orientation and Testing
• Counselor Appointment
• Hours and days
• Monday Thursday
• 8 am-noon and 1-3 pm
• Tuesday Thursday
• 6-8 pm
• Open Entry/Open Exit
• Individualized Instruction
• Start classes
• Ready for the next step?
• Post test in one subject area

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What to expect

• A respectful place to learn
• Getting help when you need it just ask!
• Take breaks as needed
• Quiet (no cell phones, MP3 players, etc.)
• Books, paper and other learning materials
• Access to a computer
• Instruction in computer use if needed
• Internet use is limited to educational uses
• Adjustments to schedule

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Other things to know
"Though no one can go back and make a brand new
start, anyone can start from now and make a brand
new ending." - Carl Bard

• Food and beverages
• Phone
• Parking
• Friends and Family
• Getting support
• The Pod
• Smokers corner
• Let us work with your whole brain by avoiding
• Alcohol drugs
• Leave any weapons at home?

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Trying it out

• How did that work for you?
• Did you notice anything?
• Now lets try the final preference
• Auditory
• Repeat information silently to myself.
• Visual
• Listen and write down what you hear.
• Kinesthetic
• Take a small object and play with in one hand
  while the other takes notes.

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Goals and Goal Setting

• Goal An end that one strives to attain

• Imagine...
• Where you will land?
• What you will do when you get there?
• If you will land at all.

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Goals and Goal Setting

• Setting goals is like having a destination before
  takeoff.
• A goal is
• important to you, personally.
• within your power to make happen.
• something you have a reasonable chance of
  achieving.
• clearly defined and has a specific plan of
  action.

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Identify your goals

• What brought you here tonight?
• What do you think will be different in your life
  when you achieve that?
• These are your goals.
• They are personal, about you and within your
  power to happen.
• Your actions will depend on these goals.

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Make a plan

• Outline the steps needed to achieve your goal.
• Review test scores to determine your strengths
  and needs.
• Set a class schedule.
• Meet your instructors
• Start studying

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Set deadlines

• When do you want to achieve your goal?
• Talk to the counselor and instructors to
  determine what is realistic.
• Find out what you need to do to achieve the goal
  by your deadline.
• Adjust the deadline as needed.

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Stay on Course

• Did you know...
• An airplane is on course only 5 of the time
  because of wind and air pressure changes.
• The other 95 of the time is spent getting back
  on course!
• Adult learners may get off course too.
• Work, Children, Illness, Transportation
• Motivation, Life Demands, Frustration

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Get Resources and Support

• Encouragement from family and friends
• Checking in with instructors
• Talk to your counselor
• Take tests
• Adjust your schedule
• Revise and set goals

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Arrive at your destination

• Achieve the goals you set and make the changes
  you want in your life.

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Try it on

• You have tried strategies from all 3 learning
  preferences.
• Did you notice anything?
• Try these and other strategies when you are
  reading material or in the classroom.

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Paperwork

• Intake Form
• Consent to release information
• GED Consent
• Even Start Inquiry
• Questions?
• Scheduling testing
• Thanks for coming in?
• See you soon.