A Learner Participants Report on Grundtvig Iceberg of Literacy Workshop, Vilnius, Lithuania. 05/05/2014 - 11/05/2014
This year I made a promise to myself to try new things and to step into the unknown, ‘to feel the fear and do it anyway!’ I am completing my Higher Diploma in Further Education in Maynooth University so the year has brought many challenges with it. One day I saw an application to a Grundtvig programme in my email inbox. My lecturer at University had advised us to consider applying to participate in a programme. When I opened the application form I was dismayed to see how arduous the task ahead appeared. The application process required a lot more thinking than I had imagined! However I reminded myself that I had made a promise to myself and dived in.
I waited in anticipation to learn whether I had been selected and was delighted when the Lithuanian team who were hosting ‘Iceberg of Literacy’ contacted me with an invitation to attend. I felt pride at the prospect of representing Maynooth University on a global stage, daunted yet excited at taking my place among educators and learners from other E.U countries. The thought of testing my knowledge and aptitude for contributing to a forum on literacy was frightening. Having a fellow student colleague, Shelly Mitchell to accompany me was comforting and we would be joined by Jim Prior, Co-ordinator of Limerick’s Southill Community Family Resource Centre.
Ten countries were represented at the Grundtvig workshop by nineteen participants. As well as Ireland and Lithuania were Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Greece, Finland, Germany, Estonia and Latvia. Each country reported on the state of Adult Literacy in their own Country and we discussed the similarities and differences of each situation. Professor. Vincentas Dienys, expert of the Lithuanian Association of Adult Education gave us a comprehensive and interesting presentation on his own interpretation of the PIAAC report 2013 on adult literacy. This helped us to put the overall European findings into perspective and set the context for the weeks programme.
The hosts of our workshop had developed the concept of an ‘Iceberg’ to represent our understanding of Adult Literacy issues. Even though this topic has been under debate and development for many years we agreed that there is still a lot to be uncovered (buried under the water) Issues of empathy, awareness and embedded cultural assumptions could be further explored. Generally most participants felt that they had a good understanding of writing, reading and numeracy problems amongst adults and that these appeared ‘above the water’. The countries were in agreement that by addressing the hidden aspects we could impact social and economic deficiencies.We attempted to uncover some of the more intangible reasons for problems in literacy through group work and discussion and presented our vision for adult literacy in Europe via the visual interpretation of the ‘Iceberg.’
One of the main aims of the workshop was to share and develop strategies for improved delivery of adult literacy services. The members of the group were enthusiastic and ready to learn from each other. The workshops were held from Monday to Saturday inclusive from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm with very little time spent idle. Nonetheless, it was thoroughly engaging and time flew by. We came together in various groups to devise new methods and creative adaptations of existing methods to develop literacy skills with the adults we work with. By sharing our methods we opened up possibilities for enhancing them through critical reflection and feedback. We explored integrating literacy learning into existing programs within learning centres. The Estonian delegate gave an inspiring presentation on how she integrates literacy with her cooking class. Finland’s representative described how she works with phonics to integrate her immigrant students into the language. The Greek delegate inspired us to engage in blogging as a teaching resource. Every participant had something to contribute and we were exposed to many different perspectives on methodologies for working in the field of Adult Literacy.
As well as all the informative and instructive content of the workshop the Lithuanian hosts were incredibly warm and welcoming to us. We enjoyed trips to local sights and scenes as well as fabulous food and entertainment. The other delegates on the workshop were friendly and there was a very good atmosphere in the group.
I loved every minute of the conference. I met people with whom I could share ideas, questions and perspectives and it was encouraging to acknowledge that we all share similar problems. It was a good opportunity for me to test my own abilities and understanding. I stepped from being a student who was unsure whether she could make a contribution to being a professional who took her place amongst other professionals. Our learning in Maynooth was relevant, up to date and even more, it was progressive. As Irish delegates we could make a valuable impact by participating and sharing our approaches. Bringing this experience back with me has informed and encouraged me to progress further into my chosen vocation.
I would sincerely encourage students and educators to engage in Grundtvig programmes not only to develop their special interests and personal development but also to contribute and cross fertilise the area of Adult Education across Europe.