The Adult Basic Education service looks for volunteer tutors from across Fife to work with adults who wish to improve their literacy or numeracy skills. No previous teaching experience is necessary as potential volunteer tutors are given FREE access to the SQA accredited PDA: ITALL (Professional Development Award: Introductory Training in Adult Literacies Learning) qualification.

John O’Neil
ABE Tutor Assistant

One of the fascinations to me of being a Tutor Assistant is the concept of “learning while teaching”. I have found that my own skills are tested and enhanced/updated in the following areas:

Listening
Observing
Negotiating
Motivating (through praise and encouragement)
Working 1-2-1 (I’m more used to large groups/teams)
Patience!
Tact

Another real positive from being involved in ABE is the rewards of seeing and hearing the reaction of learners when they achieve/complete even the smallest of tasks. The enthusiasm and honesty of the learners is also very enlightening, when I reflect on how a lot of people in mainstream employment behave!

All the learners I have come into contact with so far, by showing this enthusiasm and honesty, have been a pleasure to work with, and it amazes me how I have uncovered this little jewel called ABE.

For more information about training to become a volunteer tutor with the Adult Basic Education service please contact:

Dunfermline & West Fife: tel. 01383 312265, helen.lamza@fife.gov.uk

Kirkcaldy & Levenmouth: tel. 01592 412157, fay.logan@fife.gov.uk

Glenrothes & North East Fife: tel 01592 414953. jill.little@fife.gov.uk