Carla Langendoen

Community Adult Learning Program (CALP)

As a tutor and support assistant in a rural community, Carla Langendoen sees the valuable role education plays in helping people overcome the barriers they face. Langendoen works at Rocky Learning Centre in Rocky Mountain house and supports students taking the Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) offered by NorQuest College.  
 
“The NorQuest program is a real anchor for students,” Langendoen said. “Despite the real barriers that these learners are facing, NorQuest is really giving them an opportunity to overcome adversity by offering the course online with in-person tutor support in their community.”  
 
Langendoen said many of the learners she has worked with are facing personal challenges that interfere with their education. Without the one-on-one support of a tutor, Langendoen said she believes there would be a spike in students dropping out of the program due to negative impact these barriers have on their motivation and support. Langendoen added the opportunity for students to build a personal relationship with their tutor is a key factor in their success.  
 
“You get to know the learner on a personal level,” she said. “When you spend that much time with a student you understand the challenges they are facing and can help them find ways to overcome them.”  
 
Langendoen said her job can be challenging as not every student is successful. But she believes the relationships she builds with students leaves the door open for them to try again in the future. Despite some of the setbacks, tutoring is also incredibly rewarding. 
 
“I’m so happy for my students when I see them succeed,” she said. “When I see their confidence growing and they start achieving their goals, it’s really rewarding.”  
 
Having a grade 12 education is required by many employers and CALP is an essential program for helping people in remote communities finish their high school diploma. Because of this requirement, Langendoen said students often see the value of the program right away, but don’t immediately realize the value of the other skills they learn in the process. 
 
“Often their job requires a GED, but sometimes people just want to improve their lives and taking this course is a step in that direction,” she said. “Having the discipline to complete this program and learning how to learn are added benefits.”  
 
Her advice to prospective students is to take advantage of the support that is offered through local adult learning programs. Langendoen said tutors are equipped to help people overcome their learning gaps and the centers provide a safe space for people to improve their skills and complete their education. 
 
“I really believe the tutor support role is essential,” Langendoen added. “Online learning can be lonely and having someone who can support you as a person, and not just a student makes a big difference.”