Adult Learners’ Week Awards 2015 Adult Learners’ Week awards celebrate all kinds of learning – formal and informal, accredited and non-accredited, based at college, in the workplace, in the community, online and at home, introductory levels and degrees. They recognise and celebrate the achievements of extraordinary adults, projects and employers who have used learning to transform lives and inspire others.
What makes a winning nomination? We are looking for stories that are truly inspirational, illustrate the life-transforming impact of learning, and that can inspire others to learn.
So when you write your nomination, have a think about the following:
Remember that these are learning awards and so although the context is important, the story cannot just be about overcoming challenges. Learning, and above all the impact it has had, must be the key to the story.
You only have one A4-sized page to let us know why your individual, project, employer or tutor is exceptional – take time to organise your thoughts, and write clearly and logically. Don’t worry about writing beautiful prose or getting the grammar perfect – it’s the story that matters.
The story should show the learning journey, not just an isolated incident of learning. What first inspired the learning journey, and where is it going? What is the impact?
What is it about the story you are nominating that inspired you in the first place? Make this clear, especially if it could resonate with other adults and inspire them to learn.
What makes your nominated learner, project, employer or tutor stand out from the rest? How have they made an extra effort, achieved beyond expectations, or had a great impact on themselves or others?
Overall and most importantly, how has learning transformed the learner(s), employees, community or business? What has been the impact of the learning undertaken?
How to write your nomination
Give yourself time to complete the form – the deadline is not very far off and you will need time, especially if you don’t see your nominee very frequently Talk to your nominee or beneficiaries and use their personal history to support your story Speak from the heart – we don’t know your nominee and only you and they can get the story across! Use simple, direct language supported by facts Ensure ALL the right sections are completed Don’t add in additional material – this cannot be considered Use all the space – one short paragraph will not do justice to your story
In conclusion....
Remember, more nominations mean more chances to win, and there is no limit to the number of nominations you can make.
Re-nominate strong learning stories that did not win in previous years. An extra year or two of the learning journey might make all the difference.
Think of the impact on learners, employees and tutors who get nominated for awards. It’s an amazing thing for them, and worth every minute of the time it takes to write the story down. All ALW nominates get a certificate, whether they win or not.
ALW stories make a fantastic set of examples of how great your organisation is, and nominees often make excellent ambassadors both for learning and for the organisation that helped them learn. You can’t get better publicity than that!
So what are you waiting for? Making a nomination is simple and they can be submitted on paper, by email or online. Find nomination forms and guidance notes on http://www.alw.org.uk/awards/2015
NIACE must receive your nomination form by 5pm on Wednesday 17 December 2014
Need any help or want to ask a question? Contact your Regional Coordinator Amanda on pavonlopez@msn.com or 07812 159689.
www.alw.org.uk
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