In the field of adult basic education, there are two strategies that have been found to be of particular value to student learning: multiple intelligences and purpose-based learning. However, putting these learning theories into practice is not always as easy as an educator might at first believe. Adult basic education teacher Dylan Emerick-Brown reflects on his own teaching philosophies and learning strategies to share what has worked effectively in his classroom to improve student enthusiasm and retention of knowledge. It is the combination of utilizing the multiple intelligences naturally preferred by students, individual to individual, and connecting the lessons to the students' everyday lives--fostering purpose in the curricula--that turns a classroom into an effective, open learning environment.