Adult learners are often kinesthetic learners, meaning they learn from being actively engaged in a project. Creating a bulletin board that displays opportunities for adults to apply literacy skills or to enjoy activities that enhance their learning helps motivate learners. Display opportunities for reading and writing practice by advertising writing contests, the opportunity to volunteer in local schools, book clubs or book-themed meetings, as well as literacy workshops or other literacy programs.
Adult literacy centers often service a population of people who have difficulty finding employment and earning adequate income. Bulletin boards can be an excellent way to advertise community or state programs that help adult literacy learners. Promoting learners overall health and welfare is important in helping them achieve success. Educate adult learners about community childcare programs, local charities, food banks, any grant opportunities they may qualify for, as well as available community social services. Adults who make the effort to improve their literacy often want to improve their overall welfare, and they may benefit from the support that other programs offer.
Adult learners who are improving their literacy might be interested in taking their education further. Participants who are relatively new may not be aware of where new skills could take them. Literacy is only the beginning toward achieving higher income and greater opportunities. Help them find GED and community college, four-year college and university programs, vocational programs and job-skill training programs.
Bulletin boards are an excellent place to motivate adult literacy learners. Post statistics and relevant facts that show learners how they benefit from greater skills. Boost their self-esteem by posting their success stories for others to read. Display information about famous people who have themselves struggled with literacy issues and who've overcome them. Motivate with positive and encouraging words or pictures. Track the literacy goals to display the center's progress. Create a bulletin board that leaves readers smiling.
Adult learners often learn from each other. Use a classroom bulletin board for collaborative learning. Explain to participants how they can use the bulletin board to support their own learning and the learning of their peers. Encourage them to post questions on the board, share information, stories or tips, share positive thoughts they have about literacy and to post reviews of books they've read. Part of the board can be designated for participants to post outside information that may interest their peers.