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, we discuss your situation. Fran will ask 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. 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 this session, you should have a sense of what you can achieve.
Learning sessions (1-2 hours)
Fran can help you face-to-face or online.
Sessions usually include the following 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 although most students learn 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 to help you learn, practice and explore things. One question can lead to all sorts of discussions. The minimum timeframe is 1 hour which tends to pass quickly. Session length is your decision.
We confirm session length before you start learning. Fran aims to keep them as short as possible. She frequently asks for feedback to keep your learning on track.
Session frequency
Fran usually sees students once a week. Most adults find this is enough. It also leaves them time to practise and explore things on their own. More regular sessions are possible.
Depending upon our current client list, sessions are available on week days or on the weekend.
All sessions are by appointment.
Distance / Online Sessions
ALNS can support adults who live outside of Sydney. Fran tends to use Google Meet for online sessions. It’s free and all you need is a gmail.com account.
Fees
ALNS offers different types of service. Depending on what’s required, the fee can vary. Private sessions are paid for before or at the start of each class, via cash, 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
ALNS works face-to-face or online with students. In-person sessions are currently held in Petersham in Sydney’s Inner West.
Learning materials
Fran can provides learning materials to help you build your skills. She often works with resources the student brings.
Learners need to bring a folder, note paper, pens, pencils and eraser. Devices can be handy for accessing apps and researching online.
Fran sets homework to reinforce what you learn in session. You might create your own activities. Practice helps to build skills faster. This is your choice as an adult though.
