Other standard elements that should be included in the lesson plan are:

• details of any pre-assessment procedures to be used

• instructional techniques to be used

• time allotted for each activity

• facilities, media, supplies, tools, equipment, etc. required

• details of any references and textbooks required

• details of any assignments

• details of any post-assessment procedures to be used.

Be clear about what you are assessing
The tutor and learner should decide ahead of time what they will accomplish in each session. Perhaps they will begin learning a new skill or they will begin to incorporate a set of skills into a real-life situation. Success can only be measured if you know what you are measuring — setting regular learning objectives makes ongoing assessment easier. Of course, the learning objectives must relate to the short-term goal set out in the training plan. Referring back to the training plan and thinking about how learning objectives relate to it is another way of keeping learning on track.

Use a skills checklist
This is an easy and quick way to keep track of the skills a learner has gained. Sometimes checklists are called “inventories” or “progress charts”. This type of list can provide a quick snapshot at any given time and also offers a good visual comparison from one point in time to another.

Keep a portfolio
Many literacy programs in Ontario encourage learners to keep portfolios of their work. Portfolios can help the learner identify the skills he has learned in a very visible, concrete fashion. Sometimes, however, the learner needs help in deciding what to include in his portfolio. The volunteer tutor can help him determine just which activities and assignments provide good examples of his learning so that the portfolio becomes more than just a collection of work.