The Power of Learners' VoicesSubmitted by Cheryl Lovstrom, Della Massey, Emily Robinson Leclair and Rebecca Still
Adult Albertans with foundational learning needs are the heart of every CALP. Interactions with learners keep us connected to community and grounded in our understanding of foundational learning needs. Learners teach us as much as they learn. The relationships we build strengthen our organizations and our communities. Community Adult Learning Programs (CALPs) don't work without them.
And yet, we don’t always hear or see these individuals. The reasons for this are varied and include, but are not limited to, protection, power, consent, and risk.
In the Building Literacy Guide, Dr. Allan Quigley shares a story about the impact of one such story on the crowd at a literacy conference.
After a long, halting speech he thanked us for all that we were doing in literacy. Then, after a long pause, he ended with, “Thank you.” He received a twenty-minute, thunderous standing ovation.
We filed out of the ballroom amazed by what we had seen and heard. I have heard many keynote speeches in my life, but we were so impressed by his courage. His strength. Then I thought to myself, “Why?” Why should anyone have to stand and weep in front of others because they cannot read? Surely this is not just tragic, it is wrong.
Dr. Quigley goes on to explain the importance of learner voice and lived experience in the destigmatization of literacy. He suggests that, in order to increase the visibility of literacy and foundational learning we need more adult learners to share their stories.
“I am not just anybody” could be an assertion of pride that could help change the views of the public. Further, by telling their stories, our learners and graduates could reach many more of the adults with low literacy hidden in society. Our learners could encourage more to come forward, saying: “If I can do it, you can too.”
It is no wonder that practitioners proceed with caution. There is a fine line between sharing learner voices ethically and irresponsibly. We don't want to get it wrong. This is far too important.
What is Learner Voice?
Learner Voice is a fundamental concept in adult education, which emphasises that learning is most effective when it is a collaborative process shaped by both educators and learners.
The concept involves incorporating the perspectives, experiences, and feedback of learners into every stage of education, including the design, delivery, and evaluation.
Learner Voice is not just about listening. It is about truly valuing learners’ input and empowering them to be active rather than passive participants in their educational journey.
Source: ENHANCE is a European Commission-funded project designed to amplify the voices of adult learners in education. https://enhance-aontas.com/
Learners' Voices at Symposium
In past years, the experiences shared by adult learner speakers at the Literacy & Learning Symposium have helped to showcase learner achievements and shine a light on the power of learning. Last year, CLN featured adult learners' voices throughout Symposium. Playing on the theme “Making Waves,” the CALP system helped us feature a multitude of learners from across the province, effectively ‘flooding’ Symposium with learner voices.
We received responses from 19 CALPs who recruited learners and assisted them to submit their contributions. In total, 41 unique learners from across Alberta shared their voices. The Literacy and Learning Symposium 2025 included:
- 22 videos
- 3 audio recordings
- 16 non-video submissions
CLN believes that Learners' Voices have the power to:
- Inspire
- Educate
- Encourage
- Empower
The success of last year's initiative reinforced our commitment to sharing learner voices and our responsibility to do so ethically.
We commit to storytelling that is:
- Empathetic
- Learner-centered
- Relational
- Respectful
- Strengths-based
- Trauma-informed
And we ensure:
- Choice
- Ongoing informed consent
- Transparency
Symposium attendees were thrilled to see so many learners' voices showcased. To honour their contributions, each learner who submitted work in print received a framed copy. These can now be found in CALP offices around Alberta.
As a result of the overwhelmingly positive responses we received, learners were invited to have their submissions featured on the CALP Portal in order to continue sharing their inspiring messages beyond Symposium.
Benefits to Learners
Learners who participate in Learners' Voices:
- Increase confidence
- Celebrate success
- Use skills
- Are a voice for change
- Practice civic engagement
- Increase awareness
- Show pride
- Share creativity
- Encourage other adults to return to learning
- Get published
- Have fun!
We are excited to include learners’ voices once again at the 2026 Literacy and Learning Symposium!
Do you know an adult Albertan who:
- has learned foundational skills (literacy, numeracy, skills for learning, basic digital skills, English language learning)
- attended any foundational learning opportunity (tutoring, family literacy programs, learning activities or courses)
- is a past or present CALP participant
We would like to thank the many learners who participated in sharing their voices and experiences for last year’s event, and we look forward to hearing from new learners in 2026.
As Dr. Quigley reminds us: 'If we are to be more visible, it is suggested literacy learners and our graduates, along with practitioners, could be the key to opening the door for the changes we need.' This is the work we're committed to doing—thoughtfully, ethically, and in partnership with learners.