Longwood work-study students tutor adult learners

Longwood University work-study students recently served as tutors to adults enrolled in the Cumberland Regional Adult Education Program.

The tutoring program was organized by the Longwood Center for Communication, Literacy, and Learning (LCCLL), the Cumberland Regional Adult Education Program, and the READ Center, a not-for-profit volunteer adult literacy program nationally recognized for innovative adult education programs. The READ Center provided training to the student tutors; free tutoring materials; and on-going support.

Dr. Dorothy Cosby, director of the Regional Adult Education Program, said, "The partnership between the Regional Adult Education Program and the LCCLL has provided well-prepared student workers who have assisted the instructors in the Prince Edward Adult Education Literacy Program to create a safe learning environment for our adult learners.  Our purpose is to create a goal-oriented classroom for adults who want to increase their academic skills in order to be better equipped to meet the challenges of society. As a result of this partnership, adults enrolled in the program are given individualized instruction based on their academic needs and goals." 

The goal of the partnership between the LCCLL and the Cumberland Regional Adult Education Program is to help adults who are enrolled in adult education attain basic reading and communication skills that will lead to employability, college readiness, and/or enhanced ability to function as a citizen, worker, student, or family member.

Nikea Cook, a junior education major from Fredericksburg who worked as a math tutor, said, "This opportunity has made me more aggressive with my teaching style and has improved the communication skills that I will take into the classroom. It has been a lot of fun and has helped me in many ways."

Sonya Ragsdale '10, from Lunenburg County, said, "There is a great need for education throughout the adult population. Many adult learners need a confidence boost to prepare themselves for taking the GED." Ragsdale taught computer skills to the adult students.

Tiffany Owens and Chelsea Normandeau, both education majors, also served as tutors during 2009-10 academic year.