Improving Literacy at Work

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.

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.