Research Forum: Media Literacy for Adult Learners: Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills in the Digital Age
In today's world, media literacy is an essential skill for adults to participate in academic, professional, and community activities. This webinar will explore the importance of media literacy in adult education, providing practical tools and strategies to help learners critically evaluate media sources, understand the impact of media on society, and navigate the digital landscape with confidence. Participants will gain insights into fostering critical thinking and media analysis skills among adult learners, empowering them to become informed and engaged community members.
Trauma Informed Instruction
Hosted By the Sonoma County Adult Education ConsortiumTrauma-informed approaches in schools are grounded in the principles of learning and human development and are especially relevant in adult education. 60 percent of adults are reported to have experienced trauma; and ânontraditionalâ adult learners are more likely to be exposed to past or ongoing trauma risk factors. Schools can play a vital role in reducing the effects of trauma and promoting resilience for adult learners. Face-to-Face Session: Location: Petaluma, CADate: Friday, May 2Time: 12:30-2:30 PMRegistration Information:This tailored regional CoP is designed for the Sonoma County Adult Education Consortium staff and teachers.There is no registration fee to participate; CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees.
Supporting Student Success Through Social and Emotional Learning
Facilitators:Kimberly Kendziora, American Institutes for ResearchSachiko Ozaki Oates, CALPRO/American institutes for ResearchSteven A. Casperite, Placer School for AdultsVeronica Tylor, Los Angeles Unified School District's Division of Adult and Career Education Supporting Student Success Through Social and Emotional LearningSocial and emotional learning (SEL) encompasses developing essential skills for self-awareness, self-management, responsive decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills. Incorporating SEL principles in adult education programs holds great promise in empowering adult learners with the skills needed for personal growth, career success, and active participation in society. We will also discuss how educators can develop their own social-emotional skills not only to grow and model those skills but also to promote educator well-being. Join this webinar to explore related frameworks, best practices, and resources to implement SEL in your program.
Research Forum: Strategies for Effective Instruction: Fundamentals of Adult Education
Research Forum Webinar on Fundamentals of Adult Education Instruction
Facilitator: Sachiko Oates
Motivation and Persistence for the Adult Learner (Online)
This course is underway and no longer available for registration.Course Description:This course will examine nine strategies that help learners persist and offer adult educators the opportunity to practice and internalize them. The course focuses on motivation and persistence and is relevant for teachers and instructional leaders from all content areas within adult education. This course takes place entirely online and runs for four consecutive weeks. Weekly participation is required, though participants may, during a given week, log in whenever they wish. Two live webinars will be scheduled during the course; webinar dates and times will be announced and posted. Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate of participation (14 hours); they are also eligible to apply to CSU Sacramento for 1.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) if they wish.Goals:There are a number of research-based strategies for helping adults persist in reaching their education goals. The goal of this course is to expose teachers to nine of these strategies, provide opportunities for practice, and encourage the incorporation of these strategies into instructional practice.Registration Information:There is no registration fee to participate; CALPRO professional development opportunities are available to all California Adult Education Program (CAEP) agencies and employees.Registered participants will receive final confirmation and details by Friday, February 27, 2026. Waitlisted participants will also receive an update regarding their enrollment status by that date.Contact Information:Please contact calpro@air.org with any questions.
Research Forum: Designing for All: Universal Design for Learning for Adults with Learning Disabilities
This research forum webinar introduces the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework as well as the accommodations and modifications that support learning, self-determination, and success for adult learners, including learners with learning disabilities. We will discuss the challenges adult education professionals face while supporting adults with learning disabilities and share strategies and tools that work.
Date: 2/17/2026
Presenter: Marie Doerner
Research Forum: Universal Design for Learning in Action: Applying UDL in Adult Education Classrooms
Description:
This webinar focuses on turning UDL concepts into everyday teaching routines to improve engagement, accessibility, and learner persistence, with examples tailored to adultâeducation contexts. Let's explore concrete instructional strategies, lesson design choices, and learner support.
Presenter: Marie Doerner
Universal Design for Learning: Learning that Works for All (Self-Directed Online)
Course Description:
This self-directed course supports independent professional development; there is no facilitator nor other participants. Sign up now and access the class for 3 months. There is no official start or end date to worry about.
The purpose of this course is to identify how research-based learning strategies can increase engagement and access for all learners. Through this learning module, adult educators are introduced to the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines, which provide a framework to help educators create learning spaces which work better for all students. Additionally, the course presents straightforward strategies that educators can use to start implementing UDL immediately. The estimated course completion time is 1.5 hours.
Enrollment verification with Moodle login information will be sent to registrants within one business day of registration.
Registration Information:
This course is free of charge to all California adult education programs.
Contact Information:
Please contact CALPRO at calprohelp@air.org or at 916-286-8803 for more information.