Recommendations for
Additional Training for Instructors
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Improve
Services for Students with Learning Disabilities
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This study demonstrates the need for providers who
are specifically trained to work with adult students who have a variety of
special needs including learning difficulties.
A considerable number of study participants recognized that they had
learning problems that made it difficult for them to do well in adult education
classes. In order to succeed in
adult education programs, these clients need adult education instructors who
have been trained specifically to work with students who struggle in academic
learning environments. Study respondents also indicated the need for hands-on
activities with practical applications in contrast to the “book work” they
often found discouraging, dull, or irrelevant. Adult education providers need
further training and guidance in presenting materials in a variety of ways that
will actively engage adult students in the learning process.
This study also demonstrates the need for instructors who
have been specifically trained to work with ESL populations. The need for ESL services is increasing in many Kentucky
counties. The limited information
collected here indicates that this is an important area where providers need
extensive resources and further training. While
it may not be possible for every adult education site to provide trained ESL
workers, regional collaboration between programs can help meet this need.
It may also be possible for adult education providers to collaborate with
other community service agencies that work with ESL populations to coordinate
services.
Finally, adult education providers need additional training
in assessment and counseling above and beyond the teaching and tutoring skills
usually associated with adult education. The
client-centered perspective we have recommended necessitates an increased
advisory role for providers. Actively
involving clients in the goal-setting process will require providers who are
trained in human resource skills. It
is also important that providers recognize themselves as part of an integrated
team of educators that includes not only adult education services but a broad
range of other social programs as well. The
present study demonstrated that often clients lack information about other
programs that might be beneficial to them.
Training providers to work with other community services can result in
improved outcomes for clients.
 
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