About the workshops

Create a toolkit for supporting learners’ language and literacy development.

Workshop 1 | Making meaning | Activating background knowledge

Comprehension is the essence of reading and a tool for lifelong learning. Most of us need to make meaning from text every single day. In doing so, we use strategies without even being aware of it. Teaching these strategies to learners will greatly enhance their reading comprehension. This workshop focuses on one key reading comprehension strategy, ‘Activating background knowledge’, and how we can support learners to connect their background knowledge, interests and experience with the new learning.

Workshop 2 | Structured literacy: Not just for children

‘Structured Literacy’ is an evidence-based, instructional approach, which can help all learners improve their literacy skills. New skills and strategies are taught in an explicit way in a logical order. This workshop offers an exploration of the key components of literacy teaching and how these can be integrated to ensure learners can build a solid foundation for literacy success.

Workshop 3 | Creating the ‘write’ environment

Creating the ‘write’ environment is much more than simply teaching basic writing skills. It’s about supporting learners to develop a positive belief in themselves as writers and find their writing voice. This workshop is designed to equip educators with a good understanding of the writing process and some key aspects of writing instruction, which will foster writing success for learners.

Workshop 4 | Literacy | The LNAAT reading assessment

This workshop explores the Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool (LNAAT) in the context of supporting learners’ reading skills. Specifically, it covers how to interpret a learner’s assessment results, and then know what to do to support the learner, and where to find resources.     

Who are these workshops for?

These workshops will be of benefit to tertiary educators who are interested in practical strategies for teaching and embedding language and literacy.

About the facilitators

Facilitator Janet McHardy

Dr Janet McHardy

Janet has extensive experience teaching, mentoring, and advising in adult literacy and numeracy, and vocational educational. Her expertise includes reading skills with a focus on research-informed practice. 

Facilitator Dr Damon Whitten

Dr Damon Whitten

Damon is a specialist provider of professional development to the tertiary sector, with a background in adult literacy and numeracy. 

He focuses on generating and connecting research to real-world contexts and using the results to develop effective teaching and learning approaches. 

Damon is at the forefront of adult education and works toward empowering and reengaging adult learners with their dreams, passions and potential. 

Free self-directed content

In addition to the live workshop, participants will have access to self-directed content available through the Ako Aotearoa Language and Literacy Educator Pathway and the LNAAT Educator Pathway on Pathways Awarua. These are currently under development. This complementary content will allow you to explore the topic in greater depth at your own pace and in your own time, reinforcing the practical skills and knowledge gained during the workshop.

Special rate available

You can register for each of the workshops individually. 

A special rate is available for those who register for all four workshops. Select the 'Four-workshop series' option when registering online!

Register online now

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Upcoming public workshops on this topic

Upcoming public workshops on this topic

Upcoming public workshops on this topic

Upcoming public workshops on this topic

Taking that next step in your professional learning and development is easy with Ako Aotearoa. Everything is evidence-based, practical, high-quality, effective and sustainable.

Our range of PLD workshops and courses can be delivered online or face-to-face, many with digital badges awarded on completion:

  1. In-house Learning and Development
    We can deliver in-house professional development targeted to your needs. For face-to-face options, we can come to you. Contact us to discuss your needs and budget.
  2. Public Online Workshops
    Register for one of our public workshops scheduled throughout the year. So many topics to choose from!