Ministry of Education
Ako Aotearoa have released a summary publication of of nine literacy, language and numeracy research reports published by the Ministry of Education between July 2009 and July 2010.
This summary document is available online, and for download from the Ako Aotearoa website: http://akoaotearoa.ac.nz/lln.
The Ministry of Education has released the final reports from three research projects on adult literacy, language and numeracy.
Numeracy for adults: building skills with online learning links
This report describes a project that supplemented workplace learning with online numeracy activities. It found that simple online tasks that trainees completed in their own time helped them to improve their numeracy skills.
This report is also available on the Education Counts website.
This research follows on from Numeracy for adults - latest findings from teaching and learning research, which identified critical factors for successful numeracy learning in tertiary education. It was based on the latest teaching and learning research from New Zealand and overseas and set out the practical implications of these findings for how providers teach numeracy, particularly as part of vocational qualifications.
'One size does not fit all': how five tertiary education organisations embed literacy, language and numeracy
The overarching research question guiding this project was:
How do tertiary education organisations profile, develop and deliver effective literacy, language and numeracy within programmes?
Answers were drawn from five case study institutions: a wānanga, a polytechnic, two private training establishments, one of which specialises in English as an additional language, and an industry training organisation. Each organisation was in a different phase of implementation and went about embedding literacy, language and numeracy slightly differently.
Eight common findings were identified across the five case studies, as well as finding specific to each case.
There are two reports on the Education Counts website:
E-learning for adult literacy, language and numeracy
This research aimed to provide greater understanding of the potential of e-learning for adult literacy, language and numeracy. It investigates how e-learning can be employed as a means of reaching greater numbers of adult learners and how to better meet their learning needs. The overarching research question was:
What characteristics of programmes, such as e-learning, mixed mode, and distance learning, have been successful in raising the literacy, language and numeracy skills of adult learners and could be used to supplement workplace training?
The main message from the research is that e-learning is relevant to and useful for most adults with literacy, language and/or numeracy learning needs. However, these benefits rely on a learning programme that is carefully designed to fit each individual's needs and lifestyle, his or her proficiency with digital technologies, and his or her level of reading literacy.
There are three reports on the Education Counts website:
Recent publications with a focus on adult Māori learners
A series of projects on success in adult literacy, language and numeracy (foundation learning) for Māori learners has recently been published:
Hangaia te mātāpuna o te mōhio: learning foundations for Māori adults
Hangaia te mātāpuna o te mōhio can mean to build the precious gift of knowledge or to build the well-spring of learning. It symbolises the experience of Māori adults as they re-enter education to develop their literacy, language and numeracy.
This report summarises three research projects that explore how success for Māori adults in the learning foundations of literacy, language and numeracy can be built on the foundations of Māori culture and identity.
Author: Professor Stephen May, Waikato University
Mā tehuruhuru ka reretemanu: How can language and literacy be optimised for Māori learner success?
This report explores success in literacy and language learning for Māori adults. It captures the perspectives of Māori tutors and students who were undertaking, or considering, tertiary education at introductory, foundation or certificate level.
Authors: Hera White, Tania Oxenham, Marion Tahana, Kim Williams and Kimi Matthews (Waikato Institute of Technology).
Te Pakekehei Ākonga: Māori Adult Learners
This report explores success in literacy and language learning for Māori adults. It captures the perspectives and voices of learners, tutors and providers in foundation learning programmes. It describes how Māori tutors reinforce and strengthen their Māori learners' identities through ensuring that Māori tikanga and values pervade the teaching and learning environment.
Author: Colleen McMurchy-Pilkington (University of Auckland Faculty of Education).
Te piki o te māhuri, tērā te tupu o te rākau: language and literacy in marae-based programmes
This report explores the effectiveness of marae-based learning in providing language and literacy for Māori adults. It examines two marae-based programmes at Te Whare Wānanga ō Awanuiārangi.
Lead researchers: Susan Mlcek, Ngareta Timutimu, Carl Mika, Monte Aranga, Nikora Taipeti, Te Rurehe Rangihau, Te Makarini Temara, Yvonne Sheperd, Haturini McGarvey (Te Whare Wānanga ō Awanuiārangi).
Relevant publications
The 2006 Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey publications are available from the Education Counts website.
Other Ministry of Education research publications on adult literacy, language and numeracy are also available on the Ministry of Education website.