Program Models

Due to the variety of workplaces and resources, there are many models of workplace basic skills programs.
Below are descriptions of some common models. A program may combine several of these models in order
to make the program functional for that particular workplace.

Program Model	Description	Strengths	Disadvantages
Classroom/ Instructor	meets regularly as class lessons focus on needs of class led by skilled instructor	builds critical thinking builds team skills improves oral communication skilled instructor	requires a lot of planning time to meet variety of needs needs highly skilled instructor scheduling challenges (student & instructor) space requirements
Intensive	instruction provided in a concentrated block of time (e.g., full time for 1-2 weeks)	focused lessons good attendance strong tie to job needs teambuilding/ problem solving skilled instructor quick preparation of learner	cost scheduling difficulties (students & instructor) space requirements need follow-up session(s) after application on job
Peer Tutoring	employees tutoring other employees	peers become advocates flexible scheduling understanding of workplace low cost individualized	tutors not as skilled as instructors need to recruit both students & tutors training both tutors and students difficulty tracking growth
Community Volunteers	tutors from community literacy program tutor employees	flexible scheduling low cost individualized confidential	lack of understanding of workplace tutors not as skilled as instructors difficulty tracking growth
Individualized/Lab	individual educational plan developed student works on own with teacher facilitation responsibility is on learner	learner centered develops independence in learning flexible scheduling	not for all learners no group synergy limited development of critical thinking & communication skills
Technology Assisted	computer, video or audio tapes, etc. are used to develop literacy skills	individualized immediate feedback kinesthetic approach helpful for any learners with learning difficulties development of technical skills with basic skills	cost inflexible for changing curriculum & meeting student needs generic curriculum still needs person to facilitate needs committed space limited development of critical thinking & communication skills