Assessing learning achievements and development impact: Ghana’s national functional literacy program

Author: Aya Aoki, PhD candidate, Tokyo Institute of Technology

Edition: Volume 45, Number 1, April 2005

Summary: This paper summarises findings and lessons from a recently conducted evaluation of an adult functional literacy program in Ghana. The study attempted to assess learners’ literacy and numeracy skills, and ascertain participants’ knowledge and skills in various development aspects as well as their impact. The literacy and numeracy skills assessment exercise suggested that the learners are gaining significant reading skills and modest numeracy skills, while achievements in writing appear to remain weak. The findings also highlight the question of sustainability of these skills, which implies a need for improvements in post-literacy programs. The assessment demonstrated significant impact of the program on various areas of development. In particular, the study revealed the program’s strong impact on learners’ and their children’s education and livelihood activities. In addition, the learners gained knowledge and skills in health, environment and civic awareness.

Keywords: adult, functional literacy, numeracy, sustainability, post-literacy

[wpdm_file id=221]

Teaching practice in the making: Shaping and reshaping the field of adult language, literacy and numeracy teaching

Author/s: Jacquie Widin, Keiko Yasukawa and Andrew Chodkiewicz

Edition: Volume 52, Number 1, April 2012

Summary: The field of adult language, literacy and numeracy in Australia is a site of struggle as policy changes, new learner groups and new economic imperatives challenge teachers’ expertise and beliefs about good teaching practice. Continue reading “Teaching practice in the making: Shaping and reshaping the field of adult language, literacy and numeracy teaching”