Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the value and learning potential of work-based projects to both worker-researchers and their organisations. Design/methodology/approach: Within the School of Health, Community and Education Studies at Northumbria University, work-based learning (WBL) programmes are becoming increasingly important as…

Examines the job performance and job literacy strategies of nurses. Differences were found among nurses in training, experienced nurses, and supervisors. Differences were also found in job literacy strategies employed by superior as compared to adequately performing nurses. Differences tended to be in higher-level critical applications of…

Examines the on-the-job writing of 60 front-line supervisors in a Midwest steel manufacturing plant. Presents information about the frequency, type, purpose, and length of writing produced along with the challenges supervisors faced as writers on the job. Argues that this information will help business communications instructors enhance their…

With contributions from leading scholars, this compelling volume offers fresh insights into literacy teaching and learning--and the changing nature of literacy itself--in today's K-12 classrooms. The focus is on varied technologies and literacies such as social networking sites, text messaging, and online communities. Cutting-edge approaches to…

Coalitions have key roles in helping their communities accomplish the following: (1) Track the level of literacy in the community; (2) Use that information to help identify what, and how much, literacy assistance is needed; (3) Assess the extent to which community literacy programs are meeting the need, including how well existing literacy…

To teach students how to write for the workplace and other professional contexts, technical writing teachers often assign writing tasks that reflect real-life communication contexts, a teaching approach that is grounded in the field's contextualized understanding of genre. This article argues to fully embrace contextualized literacy and better…

A joint project carried out by Leeds University and Loughborough University, funded by JISC, studied the information literacy of non academic staff in higher education. The in-depth, qualitative study deployed an information audit, interviews and focus groups with eleven staff in the Finance and Research Departments at Loughborough University. The…

Argues that secretaries in the academy lack language to describe low-status, gendered and classed work. Suggests a shift of perspective and a better recognition of how to measure knowledge in workplace settings. Investigates some history of secretarial work in America, its relationship to similar female-dominated occupations, and its relationship…

Offers a perspective on "techne" that respects the formative--not professional--situation of technical writing students and emphasizes the importance for technical writers to attend to history, artistry, and well-developed social relations in their work. Offers historically grounded, creative meditations on "techne" that…

Describes an effort to attack a regional workplace illiteracy problem with a community-based needs assessment. Indicates that the needs assessment will be effective if it (1) emphasizes the social and economic effects of illiteracy, (2) explicitly links illiteracy to its regional effects, and (3) is accomplished within the time and funding…

Workplace literacy discourses have become institutionalized and are not critically examined. Workplace literacy has been socially constructed into a dominant discourse that offers limited understanding of work and literacy and strengthens existing power relations. (SK)

Describes a customized tutoring program devised for a manufacturing industry worker. Identifies the following keys to success: negotiating course content and structure, ensuring transfer of skills between work and home, and maintaining a relaxed learning environment. (SK)

Considers the need for information literacy in the workplace and discusses ways to achieve it. Highlights include using a systems approach to information literacy education; technology-based learning systems; assessment through technology-based interactive systems; and knowledge management support systems. (LRW)

Purpose--The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of factors associated with e-learning, particularly computer attitudes and usability, on transfer of training in workplace e-learning courses. Design/methodology/approach--This study relied on quantitative data obtained from four online survey questionnaires. The sample of this study…

Describes a successful workplace literacy program necessitated by increased skill requirements of employees. Discusses mistakes as well as good decisions. (JOW)