Tips on starting a Money Secret Adult Education Course

You can guarantee that in your community there will be people in serious debt, feeling isolated and alone, asking: “What will happen to me? Will we lose the house? Will I go to prison? What will happen to the children?”

The Money Secret Adult Curriculum explores issues of debt and money management. It takes the lid off the way banks, credit card companies and store card providers work. And it shows why many of us get into debt in the first place – why we find it so very hard not to buy. Then it gives a clear system to begin to get out of debt, using fictional accounts to help participants apply good principles to their own finances.

The course is intended to be used in a formal teaching setting, such as an adult education class. No two classes are the same and no group of individuals are the same, so it caters for both the seasoned teacher and those who are leading a group for the first time.

The course can be run in as a 10-week full course, a six-week short course, or a one-day course. Depending on your situation, you can choose the most appropriate method.

Ready-made lesson plans are provided to help you; they can be used to run a session. Running alongside the lesson plans are the tutor’s notes. Each session is outlined step-by-step, highlighting activities and giving direction to the tutor. You don’t have to stick to these absolutely, but they are there for a guide. You may feel more comfortable with ‘adapting’ the course to your liking.

• Don’t ask or expect participants to divulge any personal information about their current financial situation, unless they freely offer it.
• Remember that some of those attending your course may be seriously struggling with their finances, and may feel embarrassed or ashamed about it. It may be a big step for them to come along; you should ensure that the course is as open and welcoming as possible.
• The material in The Money Secret is not intended as a substitute for professional debt counselling and advice. In your lessons, emphasis should be placed on how to access the wide range of free services that are available (The Money Secret book has a thorough list at the back).
• You need a large enough room for your students with the appropriate facilities.This course can be run in schools, colleges, community centres, adult education centres, churches and other religious centres - in fact, almost anywhere!
  It’s worth bearing in mind the following:
  • Disabled access
  • Facilities for the deaf
  • Toilets
  • Refreshments
  • Health and safety (fire exits, fire extinguishers, lighting, heating etc)
  • Furniture
• Prepare well. Spend time thinking things through in advance. Remember that resources are a key component to a smooth-running session. The Money Secret’s lesson plans describe the resources required for each lesson.
• It’s always a good idea to begin a course gently by explaining where the various facilities are. Toilets are most crucial! It is up to you to make sure everybody involved feels welcome and can find their way around the building.
• Be vulnerable. Don’t give the answers; admit to the times you’ve not got it right yourself.

Timescales:

Ten weeks before the course begins:

• Book a venue where you will hold course.
• Begin advertising the course
• Begin research into the latest news and issues surrounding debt and financial matters.

Six weeks before the course begins:

• Do ‘Cash for a Month’ for yourself.
• Maintain advertising the course.
• Read The Money Secret book and The Money Secret workbook
• Begin planning sessions. Anticipate anything that will need planning in advance (eg guest speakers).

One week before the course begins

• Plan at least two sessions in advance.
• Run through the session.
• Using the lesson plans, produce a checklist of the following: equipment, materials, handouts, forms.
• Ensure you have copies of both The Money Secret book and workbook for each student.

After the course is over:

• Review evaluation sheets for your own personal development.
• Send evaluation feedback to The Money Secret (address on the final evaluation sheets).

Last Updated 13 October 2008