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The Oklahoma Literacy Resource Office
Oklahoma
Dept. of Libraries
200 NE 18th St
Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma
73105-3298
(405) 522-3205
(405) 525-7804—FAX
Open
Minds 3:
Oklahoma’s Tutor Training Program
Open Minds 3, Oklahoma’s tutor training model, was launched in August 2010, when trainers from 17 local programs piloted the new workshop model throughout the state. As a result of the project, 124 new tutors were trained during the year, and 90 previously trained tutors participated in continuing education.
A new grant expands the work started 2010 by adding new sites and new trainers to the project.
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| Open Minds trainers and guests meet with national
literacy expert Neil Sturomski [center, front] for a special workshop during Oklahoma’s 2011 joint literacy and adult education conference. |
The Open Minds 3 model provides local tutors with orientation followed by six hours of core information. Once placed with a learner, new tutors return for three hours of follow up training. Like previous versions of Open Minds, the model is meant to be fun, interesting, informative, and give volunteers the basic skills and resources they need to be successful tutors.
Trainers present the information in a variety of formats including demonstrations, small group work, YouTube, and learning stations. Trainers are also encouraged to customize the workshop to best meet the needs of their tutors and the local literacy program.
Following the basic and follow up training, local programs also provide at least one annual in-service continuing education opportunity for local tutors. Topics include such things as Visual Stress Syndrome, how to use web-based resources, and techniques for teaching reading. The continuation of the project is possible thanks to Library Services and Technology Act funds from the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
See typical Open Minds 3 workshop agenda
To contact staff of the Literacy Resource Office, use ODL's Staff Contact Form or Department Contact Form.
