1st Edition

Improving Literacy at Work

By Alison Wolf, Karen Evans Copyright 2011
    224 Pages 16 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    224 Pages 16 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Modern societies demand high levels of literacy. The written word is pervasive; individuals with poor literacy skills are deeply disadvantaged; and governments are increasingly pre-occupied with the contribution that skills can make to economic growth. As a result, the basic skills of adult workers are of concern as never before, a focus for workplace and education policy and practice.

    While Improving Literacy at Work builds on detailed research from the UK, the issue is a universal one and rising skill requirements mean the conclusions drawn will be of equal interest elsewhere in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The research findings have very direct implications and practical relevance for teaching and learning, as this valuable book demonstrates, providing clear advice on how to develop effective provision and how best to support learners at work.

    Throughout the study, the authors address the following fundamental questions:

    • How do adults’ literacy skills impact on their working lives, and on the enterprises where they work?
    • How can we develop these essential skills in the workforce?
    • When and how can literacy instruction change individuals’ employability and engagement with further learning?

    Essential reading for trainers and managers in industry, teachers, researchers and lecturers in adult and further education and stakeholders implementing evidence-based policy, this book maps the fundamental changes taking place in workplace literacy.

    Introduction  Part I: What are the Issues?  1. Literacy Learning at Work  2. Perspectives and Key Concepts  3. The Effects of Literacy Development in the Workplace  Part II: The Findings  4. The Challenges of Implementing Literacy Learning in the Workplace  5. Literacy Learning at Work: The Benefits to Individuals  6. Literacy Learning, Workplace Practices and Lives Beyond Work  7. The Organizational Impact of Literacy Learning at Work  8. The Interplay of Formal and Informal Learning at Work  Part III: The Wider Context  9. The Findings in International Context  10. Improving Literacy Learning in and through Work

    Biography

    Alison Wolf is Sir Roy Griffiths Professor of Public Sector Management at King's College London and Visiting Professorial Fellow at the Institute of Education, University of London, UK.

    Karen Evans is Professor of Education in Lifelong Learning in the Department of Lifelong and Comparative Education at the Institute of Education, University of London, UK.