2025 Iowa Adult Education and Literacy Summer Conference

Many of our adult learners struggle with math—some with learning disabilities (diagnosed and not diagnosed), and others with learning difficulties. This session will dip into the research around Developmental Dyscalculia and its associated characteristics. (Note: Diagnosis of learning disabilities [LD] is beyond our scope, and the scope of the workshop. The intent is to understand disabilities related to math.) We will explore strategies and teaching tips for working with student who struggle with math—remember, any strategy developed for a learner with an LD works for all who encounter difficulties!

Participants will be provided with resources and ideas that they can implement in their practice.

Throughout the years, tutors and instructors comment that students are unable or willing to complete classwork outside class. The assumption that students know how to study may be the issue.  This presentation focuses on the why and how of studying for adult learners with activities to make it all interesting! Your participation will be welcome!

More isn't always better: we'll discuss how a deep vocabulary impacts both language comprehenion and word recognition and makes for better readers. You'll leave with strategies you can start incorporating into your classes on Monday. 

This session will explore the research publication, "The 6 Anchors of Student Retention", by Jen Denton, M.Ed. in collaboration with Essential Education.  Using a qualitative research method, Denton explores six key factors that impact adult student motivation.  Discover how the use of these elements will enhance engagement and progression through your program.  This contextual approach to adult learning theory will help you to connect with techniques that will be easily transferable to your classroom.

By understanding the factors influencing self-esteem and implementing effective strategies to boost it, educators can significantly enhance their students' academic performance and overall well-being. This class equips educators with the knowledge and tools needed to create a supportive and empowering learning environment, ultimately helping students achieve their full potential. We will explore various factors that influence self-esteem, their impact on HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) and literacy, strategies to boost self-esteem in the classroom, and effective test-taking strategies.

This workshop will equip adult educators with practical strategies to help learners build resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset in their educational journeys. We will dip into some research about building positive mindsets, and practice some activities designed to help build positive mindsets.   Participants will leave with evidence-based strategies they can use right away in their interactions with students.

Many of our students have learning disabilities (whether formally diagnosed or not) that can be barriers to their learning.  Understanding their challenges can empower students to find learning styles that work for them, advocate for their own education, and take control of their learning. Using resources from LINCs Learning to Achieve series and other resources, this session will provide strategies and information to adult education practitioners that they can take back to their students, to help them in their educational journeys.