This article emphasizes the importance of understanding local contexts to provide appropriate education for teachers about literacy instruction. The author reviews general problems that follow from extrapolating from unrepresentative research samples and the errors and deficit conceptions that follow from assuming that all cognition takes place…

This article examines the effectiveness of English language courses offered in the engineering colleges in India. Many engineering graduates in India are found to be unemployable due to their poor communication skills and lack of confidence. There have been a lot of research papers that have reiterated the importance of improving engineering…

The purpose of this study was to investigate how knowledge of different kinds is put to work in workplace education programmes for adults with low skills and adults with higher skills. A novel framework, which has moved beyond narrow conceptions of "transfer" to concentrate on different forms of knowledge and the ways these are…

In the 21st century concerns about workplace language and literacy skills, particularly in the service and manufacturing sectors, continue to drive education and testing policy in many OECD countries. Employers tend to adopt deficit assumptions about service workers' skills, conflating social identities and language and literacy, which can blind…

A key challenge of Australia's vocational education and training (VET) system is to serve the broad needs of individuals, communities, and industries. This includes the provision of literacy and generic skills which meet the needs of all groups. This study investigates and documents workplace literacy in aged care facilities and call centres,…

Describes a study carried out in a pre-apprenticeship job-training program held at a community college in central Canada, in which learners from a variety of language backgrounds were enrolled. Information was gathered on factors affecting progress in such programs through student questionnaires, interviews, and participant observation in the…

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore approaches to learning in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach: Computer based questionnaires are used with a sample of over 300 employees. Findings: Using a version of the Revised Approaches to Study Inventory (RASI) adapted to workforce development, the factor structure of deep, surface and…

It has long been accepted that adult literacy and numeracy is best taught and learned in real-life situations that relate to everyday needs. This means that opportunities for learning are everywhere, not just in formal learning situations. This report seeks to identify examples and principles of the successful integration of learning about adult…

An evaluation was conducted of three adult literacy and basic skills programs in Ontario (Canada) to identify the type and nature of clients served and services provided by the programs. Research methodology included mailed questionnaires (n=150, 78 percent returned), 92 personal and telephone interviews with instructors and administrators of…

This volume consists of four issues. Issue 1 looks at some recent research on practice and is composed of these articles: "Reflection on Literacy," a summary of the World Conference on Literacy; "How Effective Is Adult Literacy Education?" that reports outcomes of Ontario Literacy Coalition studies; "UK Trends: Assessing…

This bibliography provides a list of 65 selected works on the topic of adult literacy in developing countries. It is a contemporary list, including only works published in the last 15 years. The works are organized into subject categories. Works are listed only once; in cases where a work could be listed under more than one category, it is listed…

This book looks at what makes adults participate in education and training, particularly in relation to work. It considers three kinds of incentives: to provide education and training, to accept learning opportunities, and to learn effectively. An introduction (Hirsch, Wagner) describes three potential conflicts that need to be resolved to bring…

This kit of training strategies and case studies is designed to help trainers to become more successful with their communication and training in the tourism and hospitality industry and to train employees with low language, literacy, and numeracy skills more effectively and efficiently. It is intended for trainers who do some on-the-job skills…

This guide is designed to help workplace trainers in the textile, clothing, and footwear (TCF) industry to become more aware of the language, literacy, and numeracy demands of training. It is divided into two main sections. Section 1, "Background Information," covers understanding language, literacy, and numeracy; understanding training…

Designed primarily for adult literacy teachers and tutors, this curriculum describes the content of what should be taught in numeracy programs in order to meet the individual needs of adults through the selection and teaching of skills appropriate to those adults' needs. An introduction describes national standards and qualifications, learners,…