◦ Explore Learning Preferences ◦ Make the Most of Adult Basic Education ◦ Goal Setting ◦ Paperwork Starting something new is always the hardest part.

 Name  Something you know a lot about or something you are good at.  How did you learn about it?

◦ The way you tend to learn best.  Not your abilities or intelligence.  Why some tasks seem easier than others. What are Learning Preferences?

Improve Learning By Knowing Your Learning Preferences  Know your strengths - do more of what you’re good at.  Know your weakness - build skills in these areas.  Use different approaches for different situations.  Adapt to different teaching methods.

Three Learning Preferences  Auditory ◦ Learn By hearing  Visual ◦ Learn by seeing  Kinesthetic ◦ Learn by doing "Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Bard

 You use all senses  Usually one or two are stronger for learning  Some things are best learned by a combination of senses The future depends on what we do in the present. Mahatma Gandhi What is Your Preference?

When I am reading I could...  Repeat information silently in my head or out loud.  Study with a partner & take turns reading to each other.  Work in quiet areas.

 Listen to information and instructions.  Sit away from sources of noise.  Repeat information silently to myself. In the classroom I could...

When I am reading I could...  Reduce visual distractions in my study space  Make notes colorful  Use flash cards to help recall information

In the classroom I could...  Sit where I can see the instructor and visual aids well.  Write down what I hear.  Review my notes and check for understanding after class.

When I am reading I could...  Highlight, underline or take notes.  Use my fingers or a piece of paper to keep track of where I am.  If I use my hands when I talk also use them when I study to explain things to myself.

In the classroom I could...  Hold a small object in one hand while the other takes notes.  Use class breaks to stand up and stretch.  Choose shorter class times.  Ask questions and participate in discussions.

 Three preferences to try out. ◦ Auditory  Repeat information silently to myself. ◦ Visual  Try to listen and write down what I hear. ◦ Kinesthetic  Take a small object and play with in one hand while the other takes notes.

Who we are... Adult Basic Education is a grant funded program that is free for students. We are committed to helping you learn! We are a staff of 15 ◦ Language Arts Instructors ◦ Math Instructor ◦ English as a Second Language Instructor ◦ Transition to College Instructors ◦ Early Childhood Instructor ◦ Counselors ◦ Secretary ◦ Administrator

What we offer...  GED Preparation  College Preparation  Job Skill Development  English as a Second Language  Even Start Education means inspiring someone’s mind, not just filling their head. - Katie Lusk

Who we serve...  2,581,281 students in the U.S. per year  3,300 students in Montana per year  429,149 in the U. S. passed the GED in 2007  2,024 in Montana passed the GED in 2007  700 students in Missoula area per year ◦ at a time  312 college bound students since 2006

Trying it out  How did that work for you?  Did you notice anything?  Now let’s try another preference: ◦ Auditory  Repeat information silently to myself. ◦ Visual  Listen and write down what you hear. ◦ Kinesthetic  Take a small object and play with in one hand while the other takes notes. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. Aristotle

Starting our program  Orientation and Testing  Counselor Appointment ◦ Hours and days  Monday – Thursday 8 am-noon and 1-3 pm  Tuesday – Thursday  6-8 pm ◦ Open Entry/Open Exit ◦ Individualized Instruction  Start classes  Ready for the next step? ◦ Post test in one subject area

What to expect  A respectful place to learn  Getting help when you need it – just ask!  Take breaks as needed  Quiet (no cell phones, MP3 players, etc.)  Books, paper and other learning materials  Access to a computer  Instruction in computer use if needed  Internet use is limited to educational uses  Adjustments to schedule

Other things to know  Food and beverages  Phone  Parking  Friends and Family  Getting support  The Pod  Smoker’s corner  Let us work with your whole brain by avoiding… ◦ Alcohol & drugs ◦ Leave any weapons at home "Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Bard

 How did that work for you?  Did you notice anything?  Now let’s try the final preference: ◦ Auditory  Repeat information silently to myself. ◦ Visual  Listen and write down what you hear. ◦ Kinesthetic  Take a small object and play with in one hand while the other takes notes.

Goals and Goal Setting Goal – An end that one strives to attain Imagine... ◦ Where you will land? ◦ What you will do when you get there? ◦ If you will land at all.

 Setting goals is like having a destination before takeoff.  A goal is ◦ important to you, personally. ◦ within your power to make happen. ◦ something you have a reasonable chance of achieving. ◦ clearly defined and has a specific plan of action.

Identify your goals  What brought you here tonight?  What do you think will be different in your life when you achieve that?  These are your goals. ◦ They are personal, about you and within your power to happen. ◦ Your actions will depend on these goals.

Make a plan  Outline the steps needed to achieve your goal.  Review test scores to determine your strengths and needs.  Set a class schedule.  Meet your instructors  Start studying

 When do you want to achieve your goal?  Talk to the counselor and instructors to determine what is realistic.  Find out what you need to do to achieve the goal by your deadline.  Adjust the deadline as needed.

Stay on Course  Did you know... ◦ An airplane is on course only 5% of the time because of wind and air pressure changes. ◦ The other 95% of the time is spent getting back on course!  Adult learners may get off course too. ◦ Work, Children, Illness, Transportation ◦ Motivation, Life Demands, Frustration

Get Resources and Support  Encouragement from family and friends  Checking in with instructors  Talk to your counselor  Take tests  Adjust your schedule  Revise and set goals

Achieve the goals you set and make the changes you want in your life. Arrive at your destination

 You have tried strategies from all 3 learning preferences.  Did you notice anything?  Try these and other strategies when you are reading material or in the classroom. Try it on

 Intake Form  Consent to release information  GED Consent  Even Start Inquiry  Questions?  Scheduling testing Thanks for coming in See you soon. Paperwork