Research

Literacies research

Part of the work of the Learning Connections team is to encourage and promote research into adult literacies provision in Scotland. This research has been conducted by a range of bodies including universities and practitioners. Learning Connections is working towards a strategic approach to adult literacies research in Scotland. This development is in response to recommendation sixteen within the Adult Literacy and Numeracy in Scotland report which stated that "rather than one-off, stand alone projects, we need an ongoing programme of research and consultation with learners".

See the resources from our first Adult Literacies Research Conference, Creating Connections Policy, Practice and Research (April 2008), for an overview of recent research.

Examples of research to date include:

Funding a number of pathfinder projects where practitioners have explored different innovative approaches to the delivery of adult literacies throughout Scotland
Funding ICT and adult literacies innovations projects where practitioners looking at different approaches to using ICT in the delivery of adult literacies throughout Scotland
Research into adult numeracy provision in Scotland
ICT and numeracy research

We also work with the National Research and Development Council (NRDC) and Research and Practice in Adult Literacy (RaPal).

Improving Teaching and Learning for Adults with Basic Skill Needs through Formative Assessment

The OECD's Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) is conducting a two-year international study of teaching and assessment for adults with basic skill needs. The study is intended to address significant gaps in understanding of "what works", for whom and under what circumstances, and to identify ways of improving the quality of provision.

All countries participating in the CERI study prepared a country background report. These reports are intended to further our understanding of the challenges for policy, research and practice in this area. You can now view the Scottish background report online, as well as reports from some of the other participating countries.

Research on Adult Literacies Online

Reports from research and links to other research relevant to adult literacies can now be found in the Research and Reports section of our online resource bank Adult Literacies Online.

The following research was commissioned to support the development of the Adult Literacy and Numeracy in Scotland (ALNIS) Refresh:

ALNIS Refresh - Evidence Report

ALNIS Refresh - Summary of Evidence Report

The Adult Literacy and Numeracy in Scotland report was informed by the following pieces of specially commissioned research:

Adult Literacy in Scotland: Employer Survey Report

Adult Literacy in Scotland: Household Survey Report

Adult Literacy in Scotland: Analysis of Data from the 1996 Adult Literacy Survey

Adult Literacy in the Labour Market: A Literature Review

Audit of Adult Literacy and Numeracy Provision in Scotland: Summary

Listening to Learners: Consultation with Learners about Adult Literacy Education in Scotland

Recognising Progress Research Report