In this episode, I am chatting with Lana McCarthy about family literacy, also known as family learning. Lana has worked in this area for many years and developed the 'Hug Your Book' programme. She has recently established a Community of Practice for Family Literacy, a partnership between the Literacy Development Centre in the South East Technological University (SETU LDC), NALA (National Adult Literacy Agency) and Adult Literacy for Life National Programme Office (ALL NPO). If you would like to join the Community of Practice, you can register at the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/fVan26wNsr You can also contact Lana at Lana.McCarthy@setu.ie. If you want to check out Lana's PhD. research on Parental engagement you can do so here: McCarthy, L, (2025) `The Dance of Engagement': AConstructivist Grounded Theory Study of Parental Engagement., Trinity CollegeDublin, School of Linguistic Speech & Comm Sci, Clin Speech & LanguageStudies, h ttps://www.tara.tcd.ie/handle/2262/110774…

In this episode, I am chatting with Aoife O'Leary, the Adult Literacy Coordinator with Dyslexia Ireland. Aoife explains what dyslexia is and how we can support students with diagnosed or undiagnosed dyslexia. She offers practical advice that we can implement in the classroom. Aoife also talks about the resources available from Dyslexia Ireland, which are available at the links below. You can contact Aoife at aoifeoleary@dyslexia.ie Dyslexia Ireland https://dyslexia.ie/ Inclusive communications guidelines: https://dyslexia.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Guidelines-on-Inclusive-Communications-2022.pdf Adult Dyslexia Hub: https://adultdyslexiahub.ie/ Structured Literacy: https://adultdyslexiahub.ie/structured-literacy/ Shannon Trust: https://shop.shannontrust.org.uk/…

In this episode, I speak with Geraldine Mernagh about using arts-based methods in teaching. We explain what arts-based methods mean to us and discuss the process we take students through in a typical lesson. I hope this episode shows how art and creativity are for everyone.

In this episode, Sarah Bates Evoy explains developments in the new job contract for adult educators. She traces the historical development of this contract to where we are currently (October 2024). Sarah has done an excellent job of explaining a very long, complex process in recognising the important work of adult educators in Ireland and also acknowledges the work that still needs to be done. Related documents that may be useful: https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/291152/9fe20071-5e3a-4e37-b8a7-c5c2a14c2126.pdf#page=null…

In this episode, I am speaking with Edel Ni Ghrainne about how we can support students experiencing trauma. Edel has a wealth of teaching experience in adult literacy and ESOL. She has over 14 years of experience teaching on refugee programmes with students across many nationalities. We discuss the broad range of experiences a refugee may have and how you can spot if a student is dealing with trauma Edel offers useful advice and strategies to support students who may be dealing with trauma. This episode is a must for anyone working in adult literacy, ESOL tutors or anyone working with refugees. Even if you are not working specifically in these areas, Edel's advice for supporting students is useful for any educational setting.…

In this episode, I chat with Geraldine Mernagh about her experience of working in adult literacy and how it has changed since the 1980s. Geraldine gives us some great advice about reflecting on what drew us to our work in the first place so that we can decide what we want to carry with us as our profession changes.…

In this episode, I am chatting with Geraldine Mernagh about Meritocracy. We discuss what meritocracy is, where the idea comes from and the problem it poses in adult education. We also discuss transformative education and helping learners to see their potential.

In this episode, I have a conversation with Anna Galligan, the outreach officer with Barnstorm Theatre Company in Kilkenny. Anna talks to me about her long career as a drama tutor. This is a fascinating look at Anna's approach to working with her students. Anna has really helped me to think outside the box with my teaching practice. Whether or not you are interested in drama, this episode will get you to think about your teaching in a completely new way.…

In this episode, I chat with Sarah Bates about her research into FET tutor's identities. Sarah is a tutor with Waterford and Wexford ETB and is also a researcher and lecturer at Waterford Institute of Technology. Sarah talks about the diverse nature of the FET sector, how tutors see themselves within their profession and what motivates them in their work. I hope that tutors listening to this can identify with the tutors in Sarah's research.…

In this episode, I am chatting with Catriona Warren from the Literacy Development Centre in Waterford Institute of Technology. Catriona has some useful advice if you are interested in keeping a reflective journal or are interested in understanding what reflective practice is.

In this episode, I chat with Dr Maeve O' Grady about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). We discuss what it is, how educational providers recognise RPL and why it is a worthwhile exercise for all of us to name and record all of our learning experiences, professional and personal. Apologies, we are recording from home so we have some sound issues. Episode Length: 22m54s…

In this episode, I chat with Maeve O' Grady about the work of Paulo Freire and the significance of his ideas in contemporary Adult and Further Education. Episode Length: 31 minutes

This is the first in a series called talking with the Tutor, where I interview Tutors working in Adult and Further Education about their work. In this episode I am chatting with Mary Curtis, a tutor in Waterford and Wexford ETB. Mary talks about how she became a tutor and the creative ways that she engages her learners. I think there is a lot of good advice here for both new and experienced tutors. Enjoy! Total Length: 24m 51s…

In this episode we are taking a sociological look at food, how our identity is intertwined with the foods that we eat and our traditions around food. We have a story about an avocado and we also talk about cake! Length: 34 mins.