In Canada, various studies investigating literacy learning have contributed to our understanding of the lives of the adult student. Through a consolidation of empirical evidence, a portrait of the adult learner is sketched, drawing upon pluralistic interpretations of the important life changes that have resulted from their participation in…

The case studies presented in this Support Document are a compilation of learnings derived from the research project, "Enhancing training advantage for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners." The project, funded by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), was conducted by a consortium of researchers…

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in very remote parts of Australia are increasingly participating in vocational education and training (VET); however, completion rates remain low and employment outcomes are not improving. This project identifies how retention and completion can be improved and what other indicators of success are important…

Interactions between staff in Neighbourhood Houses, and the socially and educationally disadvantaged community members who visit Neighbourhood Houses, have been viewed through many lenses, including community development, social support, caring and compassion. This paper looks at Neighbourhood Houses as sites of pedagogical practice. More…

The three case studies featured in this publication need to be viewed in conjunction with the recent National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) report: "A New Social Capital Paradigm for Adult Literacy: Partnerships, Policy and Pedagogy" (Balatti, Black & Falk 2009). The case studies form an important research phase of…

The use, learning and transfer of workplace numeracy skills, as well as current understandings of the term numeracy, are examined in this study. It also highlights the importance of numeracy as an essential workplace skill. The report challenges the training system and training organisations to provide numeracy training which makes links directly…

This study examined non-accredited community language, literacy and numeracy provision in Australia. A diverse range of providers assist many adults who do not need or cannot yet cope with accredited training. Growth in self-confidence appears as important as development of literacy and numeracy skills, with teachers and tutors playing a key role…

This study examined non-accredited community language, literacy and numeracy provision in Australia. A diverse range of providers assist many adults who do not need or cannot yet cope with accredited training. Growth in self-confidence appears as important as development of literacy and numeracy skills, with teachers and tutors playing a key role…

This paper draws on a recent theory-driven critical case study that uses ethnographic methods to examine data on the stated needs for literacy of adult literacy learners. It is argued that the literacy needs of adult learners are social constructions. (14 references) (LB)

This document was produced by the authors based on their research for the report "Using Information and Communication Technologies in Adult Literacy Education: New Practices, New Challenges," and is an added resource for further information. The contents of this support document are divided into two parts. Part I includes: (1) Literature…

This report presents findings of an evaluation of Australia's Adult Literacy Action Campaign (ALAC) to determine whether ALAC was promoting the development of communication, literacy, and numeracy skills and skills to facilitate greater and enriched participation in society. Chapter 1 sets out the methodology and approach, which included a…

In this report, deliberately used is a range of terms to talk about the use of information and communication technologies. The terms include electronic literacy, digital literacy, technological literacy, technoliteracy, multimodal literacies and multiliteracies. There is no argument that the terms are interchangeable, even though they are often…

This booklet is part of the "Getting to Grips with..." series, which is intended for the general reader who wants to understand important trends in vocational education and training. It is designed to provide the reader with an understanding of the main practical aspects of on-the-job training. The booklet is in two parts. The first…

A case study is reported of a mature-aged Aboriginal woman who acquired the academic literacy necessary for participation in university education. It suggests the possibility that members of marginalized minority groups can acquire the literacy practices of the dominant society without becoming complicit in them. (Contains 19 references.) (LB)

This paper is a report on a workplace adult literacy project at Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia. The project deals with the use and function of written text in the work of park rangers and assesses the literacy needs of park rangers and trainees. The project focuses on the uses and functions of written text in the…