TEACHING AND LEARNING

Programs

The Online Adult Literacy Certification Program

Virginia Commonwealth University has established a five course graduate level on-line certificate in adult literacy. The program covers foundations of literacy, adult learning theory, assessment and instruction and curriculum design. The five 3-credit hour courses focus are offered sequentially using the on-line Blackboard platform.

Participants in possession of a Virginia State teacher’s license will earn an endorsement in adult literacy from the Virginia State Department of Education upon successful completion of the program as defined by Virginia Licensure Regulations for School Personnel, Section 8VAC20-22-200 Adult Education. See: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Compliance/TeacherED/nulicvr.pdf.   However, anyone with a bachelor’s degree or higher is eligible to take the courses, earn 15 graduate credits and a certificate from VCU.

Within the State of Virginia, there is a widespread need for this program as there are no other for-credit courses of this nature in the State. The on-line format is designed to maintain a high degree of rigor while expanding accessibility to as wide an audience as possible. The program provides an extensive and intensive opportunity for practitioners to learn and apply knowledge and skills necessary to become master teachers of adult literacy learners. Throughout the program, nationally renowned leaders from the field provide systematic guidance and feedback needed for participants to reflect critically and to mature as educators in the field of adult literacy.

Descriptions of the five courses and contact information follow:       

ADLT 601 - The Adult Learner: This course provides a comprehensive overview of learning in adulthood, beginning with the historical development of the field and its philosophical underpinnings. Numerous theoretical perspectives of adult learning are examined, including: behavioral, cognitive, humanist, social, and constructivist, as well as critical theories as applied to feminism, social justice, and emancipatory learning. The psychological, social, and physical attributes of adult development are addressed, as well as how adults learn across the lifespan.

ADLT 602 - Curriculum Development for Adult Educators: This course is designed to provide an overview of research and practice related to effective curriculum design. The course introduces models of program planning, management, and evaluation appropriate for a variety of adult learners including those requiring accommodations for disability, literacy, non-native English speaking ability, and multicultural backgrounds. Students can be expected to gain an appreciation for alternative voices and some practical ways of going about the business of program planning, management and evaluation. Participants will be introduced to these techniques through readings from various Web sites, online documents, and the required textbook, which can be purchased through online vendors.

READ 602 – Teaching Literacy and Numeracy to Adults: Course participants will design and conduct a multi-dimensional assessment protocol. Drawing on this experience and on a range of primary source writings, the participants will reflect critically on advantages, disadvantages and general applicability of major learning stances (especially positivism, social-constructivism), and approaches to adult literacy. Educators will be able to articulate the attributes of a range of instructional models, programs, and materials, and to select, adopt, or design them prudently, based on the needs, strengths, and interests of their learners.

ADLT 607 - Writing Instruction for Adult Learners: This course is designed to provide an overview of the practices, research, and application of instructional techniques for effectively working with adult learners in the writing classroom. Participants will be introduced to these techniques through readings from various Web sites, online documents, and the required textbook, which can be purchased through online vendors.

ADLT 608 - Adult Education Practicum: A 120-hour field-based experience in Adult Education, the Practicum is a capstone experience for Adult Education students. The field-based practicum is an integral component of the professional preparation of adult education educators. The practicum is supervised by a Field Supervisor in the adult education program in which the field-based experience is being conducted, under the guidance of an adult education advisor at the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University.

 

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Bill Muth
Department of Teaching and Learning
wrmuth@vcu.edu  
(804) 828-8768