National Adult Literacy Database

This video features Kathy MacCuish, an instructor with the Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County, discussing the benefits of publishing learners’ writings. Since 2000, she has been involved in the publication of “Our Side of the Mountain,” an annual collection of writing by students in the association’s classes.

She explains that learners feel empowered by seeing their work published because it validates their lives and their experiences. Going through the process of writing, editing, and selecting their best work for publication offers students many learning opportunities.

The video includes suggestions for a variety of projects, including preparing a poster; writing a letter to the editor; sharing personal experiences; or writing fiction and poetry.