Skills for Life
Some subject tutors in Adult Learning may find a NIACE publication on embedding literacy, language and numeracy in other curriculum areas useful. The publication is called: Developing embedded literacy, language and numeracy: supporting achievement - Jan Eldred. NIACE, 2005
Embedding is the term used to describe the way in which tutors can include literacy, language and numeracy skills development within or alongside their subject teaching. This is a particularly effective approach with adults who are not yet motivated to seek out tuition in literacy, language or numeracy directly. It locates the learning of literacy, language or numeracy within a naturally occurring context, so literacy, for example, becomes, as it should be, a tool to something else. There is growing evidence that learners who get Skills for Life support also achieve well in their "subject" or "vocational" studies.
Teaching in this way is not without its challenges. It brings more content into the equation and makes session planning more demanding. Yet, there is already considerable evidence that the attention given to working through how to capitalise on the literacy, language and numeracy opportunities within a subject area, adds further rigour to the design of learning programmes and brings increased relevance and challenge to the learning processes.
The first chapter of the NIACE publication, Developing embedded literacy, language and numeracy: supporting achievement can be downloaded here and on the right of this page.
Subject tutors are not expected to deal with all these issues alone however, as most institutions have Skills for Life specialists who are able to help. There is also a growing recognition that institutions should adopt a Whole Organisation Approach to the teaching of literacy, language and numeracy. This means that managers and tutors plan curriculum delivery so that learners' Skills for Life needs are identified through initial assessment, and subject and SfL specialists work together to design a personalised learning plan that embeds the skills learners need to achieve their main learning goals.
The DfES describes the Whole Organisation Approach to Skills for Life as one: "where literacy, language and numeracy provision is central to the whole organisation at all levels, ranging from strategic leadership and management to delivery practice. This includes embedding Skills for Life in teaching and learning programmes across a range of learning goals and providing all learners with opportunities to progress and achieve qualifications. These aims can be achieved by reviewing current organisational structures and procedures and, if necessary, introducing new approaches that will embed Skills for Life at all levels."
For information and updating on the different elements of the Skills for Life Strategy, you can visit the Read Write Plus webpages within the DfES website
New browser window: www.dfes.gov.uk/readwriteplus
or ask to receive a copy of Update, the DfES's free newsletter for Skills for Life. The Basic Skills Bulletin
New browser window: www.basicskillsbulletin.co.uk
also carries a range of useful articles. For more information and ideas about introducing the Whole Organisation Approach you can visit the project website
New browser window: www.woasfl.org.