20/03/09
Cardiff tutor is honoured for bringing Welsh home to adults
A tutor who has revolutionised Welsh learning for adults in Cardiff has been recognised for her excellence by scooping a top all-Wales award.
Senior tutor Anna Tiplady has written several new and innovative
courses since she started working at the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Welsh for Adults Centre two years ago. One of her main successes was
leading a team which developed an accessible online Welsh language
course for beginners.
This week (Thursday, March 19th)
Anna, aged 34 from Swansea, was declared Welsh Tutor of the Year in the
NIACE Dysgu Cymru Inspire Adult Tutor and Mentor of the Year Awards
2008.
The online course, called a ‘blended Wlpan course', has received much
praise from participants due to the fact students can study at their
computers in their own time and at their own pace. This is the first
time a course of this kind has been offered to adult learners.
The course was developed at the start of 2008, and due to its
popularity five courses were put on in 12 months. Three more have been
planned for 2009 as well as a more advanced course.
Students are encouraged to attend the Welsh for Adults Centre, based at
Cardiff University each week in order to interact with fellow students
and tutors and enhance their Welsh speaking skills. There is also the
opportunity to converse with learners during the many activities that
are arranged each month by staff at the centre. Activities include pub
quizzes, scenic walks and visits to museums and other cultural places
of interest.
John Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Skills, presented Anna with her
award saying: "Adult tutors and mentors are some of the most
inspirational people there are and justly deserve the recognition they
attract through these well-respected and highly prestigious awards."
Anna, who used to work at Gorseinon College in Swansea, said: "I am
thrilled to win this award. I love my job and the most exciting part
about teaching is bringing a subject to life for your students and
making it more accessible to them, and then witnessing them achieving
positive results.
"We have had people from all walks of life accessing the blended Wlpan
course. It has attracted professionals, mothers of young children and
older people. Some people who are strapped for time but who are
determined to learn Welsh are even logging on at midnight! It's
fantastic to have nurtured such enthusiasm.
"I am really proud that I've been able to help people not only learn
Welsh but do so in an innovative way using the latest techniques in
modern technology."
For more information about Welsh for Adults in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan contact the Centre on 02920 874 710 or http://www.learnwelsh.co.uk/
NIACE Dysgu Cymru is the national, independent organisation for adult learning in Wales. The Inspire Adult Learner Awards 2009 aim to highlight people's achievements in adult learning which will ultimately inspire others to return to education.
