Key Findings

The key findings from the project included:

• Our records show that Y’s Words learners have a higher attendance rate than other learners in other courses on site. This is rewarding as these same learners were often the truants in the state education centres.
• Through the development of the learners’ literacy and numeracy their individual confidence, esteem and belief in themselves have increased markedly.
• The factors that contribute to Y’s Words success include: individual learning plans designed for each student, with work at their own individual skill ability; Toe by Toe (Cowling & Cowling, 1993), a reading phonics-based programme accessed through Linwood College/Lane Trust; an initial assessment that shows where the learner is at on enrolment, and what needs to be taught next according to the learner’s weaknesses; computer work, including programmes that reinforce literacy and numeracy; positive tutor attitude to the students; easy access to individual portfolios; student inclusion and involvement with the complete Youth Training Programme.

Key Recommendations

The key success factors from the Y’s Words project included:

Tutor characteristics | Tutor characteristics: open-minded, flexible, and adaptable, willingness to source other strategies for teaching, honesty, respect, a family atmosphere, pastoral care and humour, constant searching for ways to evolve teaching to enhance student learning.

Programme characteristics | Programme characteristics: meeting individual needs, transparent access to their record of learning, flexibility in strategies used, evolving techniques, use of a wide range of resources, listening to learner needs and wants, going outside the square, and knowing that each student is different and catering for those differences within the programme.