Knowing the learner

A learner’s concepts about print can be assessed by observing the learner and how they handle books and other texts, as well as by checking for knowledge on a one-to-one basis.

If learners are not yet able to read texts in English and have limited experience with print, it may be useful for tutors to combine assessment with teaching activities, using an activity to see what the learner knows. For example, when dealing with handling a book, select examples that have many clear illustrations, such as readers that learners’ children may have brought home from school.⁴⁹ In addition, tutors may find it useful to model how to handle the book.

Adult learners will have knowledge of many words in spoken form, either in English or another language or both. They will also have exposure to written words in English. It is often possible (and desirable) to assess by observing and recording behaviours in the course of other activities.

Keep a record of what each learner knows and is able to do, using a checklist based on the list of print and word concepts above. This provides both you and the learner with a way to make decisions about the next learning steps.