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Implications for Literacy Tutors
Bernstein (1998) states that life writing, where students think and write about transformative experiences, can be a vital part of engaged learning, particularly in the basic writing classroom. She explains that sometimes instructors avoid assigning life writing; however, that shuts down room to facilitate potentially powerful writing experiences for students. In the future I intend to introduce life-writing activities with Bob. Writing a journal about self-selected books is another idea I hope to try. Bob has just chosen and started his first whole book for outside reading. Our next activity will be journal entries about this book and other reading material he chooses.
Literacy tutors might consider the possibility of introducing journal writing along with regular learning activities. Journals can be used beneficially in tandem with other learning experiences. Journals add a component to learning that is meaningful for adult learners. Writing journals links their lives to the literacy process. Revisiting and writing about relevant life events validates their experiences in their own eyes. Learners begin to view themselves as players with an active role in their learning. Literacy acquisition becomes a far more interesting and meaningful experience for adults when they are actively engaged in the process.
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