Return-Path: <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id h41I6MU24101; Thu, 1 May 2003 14:06:22 -0400 (EDT) Date: Thu, 1 May 2003 14:06:22 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <000001c3100b$1540aa70$92e15244@DC66VD11> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: Sherry Royce/C <sjroyce@comcast.net> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:323] Mea Culpa X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook, Build 10.0.2627 Status: O Content-Length: 2695 Lines: 59 To friends and colleagues alike: I realize that in a fit of pique at the number of resignations from a potentially powerful listserv I have raised a storm. I am not resigning but trying to get to the heart of the problem. Let me try to answer all emails received to date knowing that if you try to satisfy everyone, you please no one. 1) I agree that a philosophy of practice governs how and what you teach. And it usually comes from the top down in an organization and addresses that particular organizations' audience and needs. And while I miss the NLA list under David's aegis, I do not believe this list is the place for that discussion. Perhaps, Debbie's question about the AAACE-NLA list as differentiated from the NIFL:AALPD list is right on target. 2) The same is true for political activism. We all are engaged in it to one degree or another; some of us are more expert than others; and it pays to learn from the best. Once again, we have an excellent political action organization in Pennsylvania as in several other states and it seems to me that the National Coalition for Literacy (http://ncmail.netscape.com/emailaction.adp?email=jrandall@fedstrategics .com&name=Jon%20Randall@Jon@Randall) under Jon Randall is the place for united action. 3)One of adult education's strengths like America's lies in our diversity of background and interests. I am not suggesting we deny our philosophy, politics, or preferred practice, simply that we channel them to the purpose at hand. How can we best serve our clients? What are the best strategies for teaching adults? What are the best materials currently available? Should we match learning practices to the learning strengths of our clients instead of what we ourselves are comfortable with, or what our agencies demand, or what stakeholders tell us is acceptable? Why aren't we assessing attitudinal changes instead of merely measuring grade level accomplishments? Is it as important for adult teachers and tutors to encourage students to questions their current assumptions about life and to emphasis a love of learning as it is to teach phonics? And on and on.... If we do not raise and answer these questions ourselves - other will do it for us and provide answers that meet their understanding and agenda instead of ours and those of our students. If I have offended some friends in my frustration, forgive me. We are all adult educators and we mean to do the best for adult learners. This list is a perfect place to begin enhancing our practice and learning from each other. Sherry Dr. Sherry Royce Royce & Royce, Inc. 1938 Crooked Oak Drive Lancaster, PA 17601 Tel: 717-569-1663 email: sjroyce@comcast.net
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