Alan Rogers, who was BALID President from 2020, died on April 5th
2022. He had been an outstanding supporter and ‘critical friend’ of
BALID (and many of our members) for many, many years. We miss Alan’s
enthusiasm and energy not only in literacy and development but adult
learning in general. Alan wrote a thought-provoking piece for the
BALID blog which captures his passion in these areas. He writes:
"It may seem strange that I – who have for years been researching
and teaching about adult learning – should say that we should stop
talking about learning and teaching and instead talk about
helping. But let me assure you that, if you really sit
beside someone and with their willing assent help them with their
tasks (like helping a child with their homework), the adult will
learn much more than if you try to teach them. It is a very
simple change to make but it starts with us, not with the
facilitator or the ‘learners’. No more ‘teaching’, just
helping. And helping people with their tasks is so much more
rewarding than teaching them something we think they should learn.
At least, it is worth a try."
Alan’s memory will live through his writing and through the people
he has influenced. A hybrid memorial event for him was organised by
the University of East Anglia, with many moving
tributes.
You may like to read his
obituary,
and our own BALID tribute
here.
