Open Minds: Tutor Training Program
Tutor Training Program: Open Minds for Tutors of Basic Literacy
Open Minds for Tutors of English Language Learning
Open Minds, Oklahoma’s tutor training model, was launched in 2003 with funding from Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Trainers from seventeen local programs piloted the workshop model throughout the state. The agenda has evolved to meet the changing needs of Oklahoma literacy programs, volunteer tutors, and the learners they serve.
The flexible model is designed in three 3-hour interactive sessions covering such topics as learner goal setting, using the language experience approach, working in a core literacy curriculum, incorporating a variety of reading and writing strategies in each lesson, and using real world materials.
Trainers present the information in a variety of formats including demonstration, paired practice and group work, and video.
In addition to the 9-hour tutor training, many Open Minds trainers provide at least one annual in-service/continuing education opportunity for local tutors.
See the video, Journey to Literacy and find training materials and resources for tutors of basic literacy learners and English language learners below.
Open Minds for Tutors of Basic Literacy
- Open Minds for Tutors of Basic Literacy – Trainer Resources (PDF)
- “Journey to Literacy” video [YouTube]
Open Minds for Tutors of English Language Learners
Open Minds for Tutors of Basic Literacy
- Open Minds — Manual for Basic Literacy (PDF)
- "Cherry Tree" by 10,000 Maniacs [YouTube]
- "Words are Wheels" by Phil Vassar [YouTube]
- Statistics and Reasons for Illiteracy (PDF)
- "Journey to Literacy" video [YouTube]
- "The Language Experience Approach" video [YouTube]
- Voyager (PowerPoint)
- Script for Voyager presentation (PDF)
- "Sensitivity: The Other Half of Communication" [YouTube]
- Tutor Certificate Basic Literacy (PDF) — download to fill and print
- Workshop Signs (PDF)
Open Minds for Tutors of English Language Learners
- Open Minds — Manual for Tutors of ELL (PDF)
- Step Forward presentation (PowerPoint)
- Tutor Certificate ELL Tutor (PDF) — download file to fill and print
The development of the Open Minds project was made possible thanks to Library Services and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and dedicated trainers throughout the state.