General Info
ALNS provides friendly, supportive and practical literacy & numeracy classes for adults. This page addresses the common questions people ask about Fran’s approach to mentoring.
Session format
Introductory session (usually 1-1.5 hours)
Before sessions start, you meet with Fran to explore your situation. She will ask you about your objectives; what you can do; and why and what you want to learn. You will also discuss how you’d like to learn and any concerns you have. Fran then conducts a mini-class to give you a feel for her approach. This helps her develop your customised program. By the end of the time, you should have a sense of what you can achieve.
Learning sessions (1-2 hours)
Fran prefers face-to-face sessions because of what can come up. Working in the same space helps you explore and practise things. Non-verbal cues are important. They help Fran address your learning needs. You can study via Zoom if you would rather. The lesson format is guided by you.
Sessions usually include the following sections as a minimum:
- touch base before the session starts
- review the past week’s learning, including homework
- focused learning and development
- temperature check & homework
Sessions are often split into half-hour segments to help learners build several skills at once.
Session size
ALNS runs literacy & numeracy classes for small groups or individually. Small groups can include up to 5 people of similar skill levels and tend to be organised by the clients.
Session duration
1.5 to 2 hour sessions are recommended so that you can practice and explore what you learn. Learning L&N is like a maze. One question can lead to all sorts of things. The minimum booking is for 1 hour which tends to pass quickly. There are many connections in language and numeracy, which is what makes it so interesting!
We confirm session length at your first meeting. Fran aims to keep them as short as possible. She frequently asks for feedback. This helps to keep classes on track.
Session frequency
ALNS’ literacy & numeracy classes are usually once a week. Most adults find that, with homework, this is enough. It gives you time to practise and explore things. More regular sessions are possible. This can be explored in your first meeting.
Depending upon current clients, sessions are available on week days or nights, or on the weekend.
All sessions are by appointment.
Distance / Online Sessions
ALNS can support adults who live outside of Sydney. This requires the student to have access to two devices so that we can talk and share what we’re doing.
To work at a distance, you will need a free Zoom account. We set this up then begin learning. To learn about Zoom, click here.
Fees
ALNS offers different types of service. Depending on what’s required, the fee can vary. Private (non-employer-sponsored) sessions are paid for at the end of each class, ideally in cash. They can also be prepaid via funds transfer, Square or PayPal. The latter two options incur a surcharge to cover their fees.
Invoices and receipts are available.
Same-day cancellations are charged at full fee.
Reimbursement for travel expenses may apply, depending upon the location.
ALNS offers a sliding fee scale for people who want to learn together. Feel free to organise your own study group.
Location
Depending on your location, Fran can come to you or you can come to her. ALNS can conduct sessions in the workplace. To keep fees reasonable, the preferred location is Haberfield.
Irrespective, the venue needs to be quiet, undisturbed, well-ventilated and -lit with a table that comfortably seats Fran, the student(s), devices and learning materials at a covid-safe distance. Small groups can need break-out areas, especially if students need to team up. All of these aspects can be explored when you get in contact.
Learning materials
Fran provides learning materials to help you practise your skills. She also uses other resources, especially if you’re studying or learning for work. Learners need to bring a folder, note paper, pens, pencils and eraser. Phone, tablet or iPad can be handy for accessing apps and online research.
Fran sets homework to reinforce what you learn in session, based upon your energy levels and schedule. You might create your own activity. Doing things like this helps us assess how you are going.
