Celebration Day for Adult Learners
Over 60 Adult Learners from across Argyll and Bute came together in Inveraray to celebrate their learning achievements and, more importantly, to have the opportunity to travel out with their local areas and meet other Adult Learners.
The day consisted of various activities, including creative learning designed for all learners to participate in and encourage social interaction and communication. This helped learners grasp the bigger picture, becoming more focused and inspired on what they want from their own learning journey and encouraged “Voice participation”. Learners were extremely nervous, and it took a lot of courage and determination to participate, but they bravely took this big step.
Hear My Story
Some Learners shared personal experiences of their own learning journeys, which included barriers and challenges they have faced over the years. By attending and being supported through Community-based Adult Learning they have been able to move forward and address some of these challenges. Learning isn’t always just about studying a subject matter, other factors have an impact, such as health and wellbeing, poverty, unemployment, social isolation and a lack of confidence.
Sharing these heart -warming stories was empowering for the learners telling them and also for the other learners listening to them.
Music Project
In Oban, we deliver an Adult Learning music project. This involves learning to play an instrument or, for those who already play, joining in and singing in a group or solo. The project aims to address social isolation, health and wellbeing and improve learning new skills. It is excellent for new and experienced musicians alike and those who want to give it a go or just listen. Some of the Learners involved took to the “stage”. They provided the afternoon’s entertainment, sharing their own learning by performing as a band and giving solo performances, with a finale sing-along made easier by the song sheets they had made for everyone.
Event Success and Feedback
Learners had the opportunity to meet others, talk about themselves, and share this with us through feedback and evaluative comments, expressing how they felt and the support and provision they received. This feedback was collated during the day and turned into a “Wordle” which they all received a framed copy of, along with other take-home goodies. Earlier in the day they had designed and created their own bags, which were put to good use to carry home the momentos of the day.
The celebration event was a success, and the learners provided positive evaluations. They felt valued and believed that their participation made the event more inclusive. We prompted them to reflect on transferable skills and the value of participation, and they reported increased self-esteem, confidence, and new friendships. Creating safe, inclusive spaces for learners to work together, share and be creative is vital.
Adult Learning continues to grow and develop as new ideas and opportunities arise. Learner involvement is a fundamental principle of CLD practice, and this is emphasised in the Quality Indicator “Developing the learning offer with learners.” We are promoting Adult Learning Forums across Argyll and Bute to encourage the aim of the learners’ voice and the opportunity to express their views on the adult learning provision. We want to increase opportunities for adults to influence our service and develop the Learner Voice more formally.
