The Not-So-Complicated Adult Literacy Equation

The one thing that I really like about math is that, for the most part, there is one correct answer.  It is usually either right or wrong.  It is black or white.  It is yes or no.  There is very little emotion with math.  It is all about the facts and decisions are based on the facts.  However, many people find math to be complicated.

So here is my version of what I call the Not-S0-Complicated Adult Literacy Equation.  An adult learner can achieve their goals with three criteria:

1. Attitude
2. Opportunity
3. Skill

Now this does sound very Dale Carnegie-like but I actually heard this at a youth hockey practice.  And I feel strongly that it applies to the adult literacy sector.

Attitude + Opportunity = Skill

Opportunity + Skill = Attitude

Skill + Attitude = Opportunity

A learner (or a youth hockey player for that matter) requires a minimum of these two criteria for the equation to equal success.

1. If a learner has the right balance of motivation (attitude) and learning opportunities, the end result will be a learned skill.
2. If a learner takes advantage of an opportunity and applies their skills, the end result will be a highly motivated and confident learner.
3. If a learner is motivated and has strong skills, they will have opportunities to succeed.

This literacy equation is not that complicated because it makes sense for learners.  For a learner, this equation may help them determine for themselves the missing value for them to solve their own adult literacy equation.

In my experience, the missing value seems most often to be attitude and motivation.  It’s very important for me to really inspire learners to get them excited about learning.  It’s also important that I am up front with learners and tell them that while this equation is not-so-complicated, I can’t answer it for them.

Movember & 7 Grandfather Teachings (Truth)

Movember is quickly coming to a close as today is officially the last day!  It is almost time to mow this Mo!

This is also the final blog posting for our series linking Movember and health literacy to the sacred 7 Grandfather Teachings.  The 7th and final sacred Grandfather Teaching is Truth:

Debwewin—Truth: Truth is to know all of these things. Speak the truth. Do not deceive yourself or others.

It’s all about accountability. People need to be accountable to themselves first.  I like this teaching because it explains that.  Most people believe that we have to be truthful to others.  But what about ourselves?

The same goes with health literacy.  People need to know that it’s OK not to know something.  But it’s also important to hold ourselves accountable to our actions.  For example, the word “can’t.”  People like to say things like: “I can’t lose 10 pounds.  I can’t quit smoking.  I can’t eat a balanced diet.”  What if people changed the word to “won’t.”  People might be saying: “I won’t lose 10 pounds.  I won’t quit smoking.  I won’t eat a balanced diet.”  By using the word “won’t” we are giving ourselves a choice.  People don’t like the word “won’t” because at the end of the day people want to make healthy lifestyle changes.  So what if every time we use the word “can’t” we replace it with “I don’t know how.”

“I don’t know how to lose 10 pounds.  I don’t know how to quit smoking.  I don’t know how to eat a balanced diet.”

Simply by changing these simple words around, we can be truthful to ourselves, remove the barriers and allow ourselves to learn more about health literacy.  Let’s be accountable to ourselves first and learn from all 7 Grandfather Teachings.

On behalf of the Good Learning Anywhere team and Sioux Hudson Literacy Council, we would like to thank you for all your support for Movember 2011.  It’s been a great experience, we’ve promoted a lot of health literacy awareness for our learners, and we made some new connections as well.

Movember & 7 Grandfather Teachings (Humility)

Men around the world have been growing mustaches for almost 30 days straight now for Movember.  For some, it will feel like a very humiliating experience.  Some men are not used to growing a Mo and their friends and family aren’t used to seeing a Mo on their loved ones.  But you have to give these men some credit. We all might look a little silly, and out of character, but we have formed a connected group of men who have changed the face of men’s health literacy.

In this blog series, we are continuing with linking the sacred 7 Grandfather Teachings to men’s health literacy.  The sixth Grandfather Teaching is Humility:

Dabaadendiziwin—Humility: Humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of Creation. In the Anishinaabe language, this word can also mean “compassion.” You are equal to others, but you are not better. Some communities instead express this with Bekaadiziwin, which in addition to “humility” can also be translated as “calmness,” “meekness,” “gentility” or “patience.”

My interpretation of this teaching is that all of mankind are equal.  We all have an equal and sacred part of existence in the world.  We are all equal to others and in no way is anyone better than another.  This is another great relationship to Movember.

All the men growing the Mo are equals.  There is not one Mo that is better than the other.  Some might disagree on this point.  But ultimately, it’s not about who has the best Mo.  It’s about coming together as men, showing leadership, and changing the face of men’s health by raising funds and awareness for men’s health literacy and prostate cancer.  Movember is about pride, being selfless and looking out for each other…all similar if not the same attributes that connect to the teaching of humility.

Movember & 7 Grandfather Teachings (Honesty)

I am going to be completely honest with you.  It has not been difficult to grow a moustache for the 30 days in Movember.  In fact, there have been days that I have really enjoyed growing the Mo…so much so that I have thought about keeping it.  I have not quite decided on that yet though!

Honestly, the hardest part of Movember has been trying to write this blog series on the sacred 7 Grandfather Teachings and link them to men’s health literacy.  Here I am, a white non-Aboriginal male, sharing information on teachings outside my culture and trying to link them to a worldwide movement for men’s health: Movember.  I certainly feel that this is outside of my comfort zone…(but I am trying to learn something new from this experience)

Gwayakwaadiziwin—Honesty: Honesty in facing a situation is to be brave. Always be honest in word and action. Be honest first with yourself, and you will more easily be able to be honest with others. In the Anishinaabe language, this word can also mean “righteousness.”

Throughout Movember, I have reflected a lot about the adult learners in the Good Learning Anywhere program.  They have been keeping me motivated for Movember.  Many have never taken any upgrading classes before, and never online for that matter, so I consider them to be brave.  They have been honest with themselves as they are taking courses that will get them closer to meeting their goals.

The same is true for men’s health as well.  All men, including myself, need to be honest with ourselves first and become more knowledgeable about health issues and prostate cancer particularly.  Honesty demonstrates leadership among men in our communities.

I also think that for men, we need to take action on health issues.  It’s nice to talk about it but it means nothing if we don’t take action.  This requires bravery.

So this question goes to the men who read this blog: How honest are you being with yourself?

Movember & 7 Grandfather Teachings (Bravery)

Movember is now in the home stretch with only 7 days remaining.  I am sure there are some Mo Bro’s who are getting a little anxious and excited to shave their Mo’s.  I can think of one Mo Bro at least.

We would like to continue this blog series with the 4th of the 7 Grandfather Teachings:

Aakode’ewin—Bravery: Bravery is to face the foe with integrity. In the Anishinaabe language, this word literally means “state of having a fearless heart.” To do what is right even when the consequences are unpleasant. Some communities instead use either Zoongadikiwin (“state of having a strong casing”) or Zoongide’ewin (“state of having a strong heart”).

Health literacy is the theme of this blog series and we’re linking it to the traditional 7 Grandfather Teachings.  This is my interpretation of this teaching and health literacy.   Let’s be honest, it can be painful to be honest.  It’s not easy to face our challenges head on and admit that we have issues to deal with…especially when it comes to men’s health.  As Movember Canada reminds us:

Studies show that many men don’t get regular health checks for the following reasons:

• Fear it will lead to a hospital visit
• Embarrassed to discuss their health issues
• Find it too hard to see a doctor because they just can’t fit it into their schedule
• Just can’t be bothered making an appointment

We need to be brave and do what is right when it comes to improving our health literacy.  That might mean that we get out of our comfort zone.  That might mean eating healthy foods that don’t taste as good as what we’re used to.  That might mean that our muscles and bodies might ache when we do exercises and other physical activity.

So this Movember, ask yourself, “How brave are YOU?”