New PD Videos Added in the “Moving Equity Forward in Adult Ed” Video Series!

What is the Moving Equity Forward in Adult Education Video Series?

While some practitioners enjoy and learn well from reading about a topic, we recognize that many educators prefer to learn in ways that use engaging multimedia, have immediate applications to the classroom, and that offer at least one new concrete idea to try.

To that end, ATLAS has created a series of short videos around diversity, equity, and inclusion topics in adult education. Each video and accompanying discussion guide packages an important concept that works toward justice in a format that is easily accessible for educators. Topics include learners’ funds of knowledge, being a warm demander, and using diverse teaching materials.

Each video can be watched as a stand-alone topic, so you do not have to watch them in any particular order if you want to jump around topics that pique your interest. Though of course we do suggest watching them all!

How can I use these videos?

Our hope is that you watch the videos and use the discussion guides with colleagues, but they can also be an individual reflection exercise. With colleagues, you could have a regular time during staff meetings to focus on equity, or maybe create an Equity Praxis Group to meet regularly to discuss and try the different classroom suggestions. If you’re going through these individually, set aside a regular time for you to work on your own professional development. However you choose to engage with these resources, remember mistakes are part of the process and just keep trying new things one step at a time!

Where can I find the video series?

On the ATLAS website, click on the Cultural Competency Resources library. You will see the library is organized into several main categories and subcategories on the right-hand side. Under the category Moving Equity Forward in Adult Ed, there is a short description of the whole series and links to each video. Once on the individual video’s webpage, you have access to the YouTube link and the accompanying discussion guide.

What topics were recently added?

Video 5 – Building Relationships as a Classroom Routine

This video takes a look at a favorite tool called the Culture Tree which helps us name tangible parts of culture so we can dig deep with our students. When we go past talking about surface level culture, such as holidays and food (which yes, are really fun to learn about!), we can build trust and relationships with learners. Incorporating deep culture makes class more relevant, and building trust is key for students to really engage with their learning.

Suggested action step in video:

• Create a relationship-building routine using a Culture Tree poster

Video 6 – Analyzing Our Lessons with the Culture Tree

Like Video 5, this video looks at the tool called the Culture Tree, but can be viewed on its own as a stand-alone lesson. When you ask “what is culture?”, the answer can seem pretty vague and hard to name. The Culture Tree helps us name tangible parts of culture, so that when we look at our lesson plans, we can figure out how much of the content is based on our own culture and ways of seeing/ thinking of things. Therefore, once we name what part of culture the lesson connects with, we can then think about what kinds of discussion questions or content will invite learners to share about their own experiences. This makes class more relevant and helps learners bridge information they already know to new skills and knowledge.

Suggested action step in video:

• Analyze one of your lesson plans with the suggested reflection questions and classroom example

Video 7 – Intro to Translanguaging

A term circling a lot of language education spaces right now is “translanguaging”, but many of us aren’t really sure what this means. In this video, we will discuss its meaning of utilizing all of learners’ language skills to enhance the learning of a new target language. This includes GED and Career Pathways learners who speak English as their primary language, but they may speak a dialect that isn’t seen as “standard academic English.” All of these language skills are valuable. There are several reflection questions included because a key part of our work as educators is deeply reflecting on our own beliefs around languages. Video 8, “Utilizing Learners’ Linguistic Toolboxes,” provides practical activity ideas, while this one focuses on the theory foundation.

Suggested action step in video:

• Use the suggested reflection questions in the Discussion Guide to unpack your own beliefs around language and how they impact your classroom.

Video 8 – Utilizing Learners’ Linguistic Toolboxes

This video deepens the conversation of the previous video “Intro to Translanguaging.” You can watch this one as a stand alone because we provide a brief review of the meaning of “translanguaging;” however, if you are looking for a deeper introduction, be sure to check out the previous video, #7. If you’re looking for practical translanguaging activities you can try, this is the video for you! We will take a look at vocabulary, writing and reading activities, plus discuss some additional things to consider during implementation.

Suggested action step in video:

• Choose one translanguaging activity to try and make a plan. Make it a SMART goal. Tell a colleague how it went!

Will there be any additional videos?

Stay tuned! We will continue the series and bring more interesting topics and resources to you soon.