Resources
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Tapping into Diverse Perspectives and Teaching Materials
This video discusses what “diverse perspectives and teaching materials” mean, and why this is important to learner success in the classroom. Using diverse materials makes class more relevant to learners’ lives and helps them bridge information they already know to new information. Utilizing diverse perspectives in class content is also key to building up critical thinking skills. We take a look at numerous resources that can help each of us diversify the visuals, videos, audio, and written materials we use.
Being a Warm Demander
This video takes a look at a spectrum of different kinds of teachers and asks you to reflect on where you would place yourself. We argue, based on Zaretta Hammond’s work, that the “warm demander” is the sweet spot of the spectrum which focuses on building trust with learners while also holding them to high standards to meet their learning goals. We then discuss tools to practice building relationships with learners, creating a learning partnership pact, and giving quality feedback so learners can meet their goals.
Discovering Learners’ Funds of Knowledge
In this video, we define and discuss the terms “funds of knowledge” and “an asset-based perspective.” A key element of equity in the classroom is acknowledging learners have a wealth of knowledge based on their own experiences, and we should provide opportunities for learners to be the experts in the room. Once we learn what students’ assets are, we can weave this information into class content, which helps learners be more successful. We take a look at an example lesson.
Why is DEI Important in our Adult Education Classrooms?
In this video, we start from the beginning and introduce the terms Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and what they mean for adult education. We talk about why honoring learners’ backgrounds and cultures in our schools is necessary for learner success.
PBS LearningMedia for Science
PBS LearningMedia provides a suite of resources on a broad variety of topics; from science to social studies, to health and professional development. As an added bonus, educators can search for materials by both subject and grade level, further specifying which resource is best suited for a classroom.
Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Teaching in Adult ESOL
A helpful resource from our colleagues at SABES in Massachusetts, this video defines Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Teaching (CRST), in conjunction with Massachusetts' ESOL Professional Standard 3. SABES provides a brief overview of the 5 key elements they use to break down CRST in order to assist educators trying to find more specific ways of implementing these practices in their classrooms. There is also a Flipgrid article that gives more classroom examples of these 5 key elements.
Social and Emotional Learning for Adult Multilingual Learners Toolkit
The Social and Emotional Learning for Adult Multilingual Learners Toolkit was created to “offer explanations, tips, materials, and links to help ESOL teachers and programs better understand and integrate social-emotional learning [SEL] into the adult English language classroom.” It also helps adult education instructors understand the connections between ABE and SEL. Although this resource was developed to be used with non-native speakers of English, the information and activities could be used with any adult learner.
Center for Global Environmental Education (CGEE) – Hamline University
CGEE provides online classrooms activities, videos, and images for K-12 students that are adaptable for adult education. Many of these resources are focused on the watershed health of the Mississippi River and Lake Superior. Activities include interactive demonstrations of watersheds and more intentional action projects such as Adopt-a-Drain.
Differing Types of Workplace Credentials
This 10-minute video from WorkCred.org breaks down the differences among credentials, certification, certificates, and licenses. There is also a handout from WorkCred.org that breaks down credentials, certification, certificates, and licenses, including how they are awarded, what they indicate, and several examples.
To the girl in English class
Similar to the Karen Leung video in this section of the library, this TikTok video by Hafsat Abdullahi is another unfortunate but great example of an English language learner speaking about their own experience learning English and facing discrimination. This resource provides several ideas for activities you can use with the English learners you work with.
Understanding Heteronormativity in Language Teaching Materials
In this 20-minute video, Ashley Moore, author of the peer reviewed journal article "Understanding heteronormativity in ELT textbooks: A practical taxonomy", answers the questions: But what is "heteronormativity"? How does it manifest in language teaching materials? How can we, as language educators, combat heteronormativity effectively?
Education Liberates
Hear directly from scholar giants in the field of education bell hooks and Bettina Love as they discuss racism in education, Abolitionist Teaching, and what educators can do to strive for justice in their classrooms. Like many other sources, they discuss k-12 schools, but there's still so much to prompt us to reflect on our own adult education teaching.
We Want to Do More Than Survive
In this phenomenal panel discussion, Bettina Love, Genevieve DeBose Akinnagbe, and Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz discuss Dr. Love's book We Want to Do More Than Survive, which addresses the racism in education. Dr. Love suggests Abolitionist Teaching as a way of life that all educators need to commit to. Check out this fascinating talk to reflect more on how racism shows up in our own classes and what we can do about it.
Embracing Multilingualism and Eradicating Linguistic Bias
As adult English educators, it is important for us to understand the language and accent discrimination learners face, and also to advocate in our communities to end this discrimination. In this TEDx Talk, Karen Leung discusses this very fact and gives anecdotes of the discrimination she and her family have faced while learning English after moving to the US.
Culturally Responsive Teaching 101
In this video, Zaretta Hammond gives an introduction to her book Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. She discusses the importance of centering our classrooms around learners' cultural and linguistic identities and experiences. Though she is talking about k-12 schools, there are many valuable parallels to adult education.
Culturally Responsive Practices and Participatory Instruction in ABE
Minnesota Adult Education community members Yixiu Chen and Erin Cary present this two-part series. Part 1 delves into what culturally responsive teaching is, while Part 2 describes Erin's Participatory Curriculum Unit Design Tool. You will learn about many tangible tools to try in your classrooms.
Lifeworks Disability Inclusion Resources
The mission of Lifeworks is to partner with people with disabilities to drive change by increasing opportunity and access in the community. On their website, Lifeworks offers "on-demand, educational resources... that explore and support disability rights, allyship, and building a sense of belonging for all – that we hope help you to activate change in your everyday lives." (Source: https://www.lifeworks.org/community-partnerships/ndeam/)
New Resources
Tapping into Diverse Perspectives and Teaching Materials
This video discusses what “diverse perspectives and teaching materials” mean, and why this is important to learner success in the classroom. Using diverse materials makes class more relevant to learners’ lives and helps them bridge information they already know to new information. Utilizing diverse perspectives in class content is also key to building up critical thinking skills. We take a look at numerous resources that can help each of us diversify the visuals, videos, audio, and written materials we use.
Being a Warm Demander
This video takes a look at a spectrum of different kinds of teachers and asks you to reflect on where you would place yourself. We argue, based on Zaretta Hammond’s work, that the “warm demander” is the sweet spot of the spectrum which focuses on building trust with learners while also holding them to high standards to meet their learning goals. We then discuss tools to practice building relationships with learners, creating a learning partnership pact, and giving quality feedback so learners can meet their goals.
Discovering Learners’ Funds of Knowledge
In this video, we define and discuss the terms “funds of knowledge” and “an asset-based perspective.” A key element of equity in the classroom is acknowledging learners have a wealth of knowledge based on their own experiences, and we should provide opportunities for learners to be the experts in the room. Once we learn what students’ assets are, we can weave this information into class content, which helps learners be more successful. We take a look at an example lesson.
Presenter Information
Get information about stipends, reimbursements, and other instructions for presenters.
MN ABE YouTube Channel
The MN ABE YouTube Channel is a free online PD resource that you can use to explore teaching techniques and classroom ideas in action! Find out more in this MN ABE Connect newsletter article.
Upcoming ABE Events
August 6, 2024
10:00 am–12:00 pm
Online
Racial Equity 101 Presented by Jimmie Heags
Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 8/6/24 Join presenter Jimmie Heags, Jr., MA, LSC, LPCC, LADC, ACS, for this session that exposes how race is defined and how racism impacts individuals and institutions. The session will provide learners with a framework for understanding and disrupting the attitudes and structures that perpetuate… Learn More
Online
August 6, 2024
6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Online
Volunteer Core Training Module 1: Overview of Minnesota Adult Education and Program Accountability
Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 8/6/24 Participants learn about Adult Basic Education programming in Minnesota, demographics of learners, instructional content standards as well as initial and on-going assessment. This session wraps up with learner motivations, barriers and persistence. Learn More
Online
August 13, 2024
6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Online
Volunteer Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners
Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 8/13/24 Participants develop their personal cultural awareness and learn how expectations around school culture shape how people teach and learn. Guiding principles for effectively delivering instruction to adults are also covered. Finally, participants increase their sensitivity to the challenges of learning English and developing literacy… Learn More
Online