Language, literacy & numeracy

• Language – spoken words, listening, non-verbal gestures and body language

• Literacy – the ability to read and use written information, write appropriately, recognition and use of numbers, mathematical signs and symbols within text

• Numeracy – the practical application of mathematical skills

LLN & the AQF• Each vocational area has a unique set of

reading, writing, communication and numeracy tasks that are part of everyday vocational tasks

• The skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, and numeracy are most often at different levels within any particular qualification as well as across qualification levels

The role of the trainer in LLN

• Understand the LLN skills that need to be part of vocational training for all learners

• Model the appropriate LLN skills as part of training for all learners

• Evaluate training materials and methods for appropriate LLN levels

• Allow learners to practice the appropriate LLN skills included in training

• Evaluate assessment tasks and methods for appropriate LLN level

cont…

The role of the trainer in LLN cont…

• Develop LLN materials that are relevant to learners’ needs within vocational training

• Identify learners experiencing significant LLN difficulties who may need specialist assistance

• Collaborate and communicate with LLN specialists who can undertake LLN assessments

• Integrate any additional recommended LLN support with the vocational training through collaboration

International Adult Literacy Survey

• 19% of people could be expected to have considerable difficulties using printed materials in daily life

• 28% of people could be expected to have some difficulties in using many of the printed materials encountered in daily life

• 36% of people could cope with a range of printed materials found in daily life and at work

• 17% of people had good to very good literacy skills, with the ability to effectively use complex information processing skills

Learner’s LLN levels• It is necessary to have an indication of

whether a person has the language skills to engage in and successfully complete training– Formal methods – validated LLN assessments, LLN

tests– Semi-formal methods – benchmarking LLN

performance (in Australia – National Reporting System)

– Non-formal – i.e. enrolment processes that collect LLN information, interview, self-assessment

Language proficiency tests

• International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR)

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

National Reporting System (NRS)

• The NRS provides a national benchmark for generic LLN indicators of competency

• The NRS provides a set of descriptors, grouped at 5 levels, against achievement of reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy can be reported

• The NRS is used to measure and report on the LLN skills of participants in Workplace English Language & Literacy Programme (WELL)

NRS – Macro skills• Reading• Writing• Speaking and listening• Numeracy

There are 5 levels within each macro skill– Each level includes LLN Complexity– There are 6 aspects of communication

LLN skills in training & assessment practice

• Speaking and listening– Clear instructions and explanations– Respond to questions effectively– Adapt your own vocabulary and delivery

to match learner comprehension levels– Demonstrate spoken language skills

required

LLN skills in training & assessment practice

cont…• Reading

– Produce written documents appropriate for learners, settings and topics

– Make judgements about which documents are suitable for their learners to read

– Help learners to focus on the purpose for reading and help them recognise different types of documents (e.g. operating instructions)

LLN skills in training & assessment practice

cont…• Writing

– Helping learners to focus on the purpose/reasons for writing i.e. what to write, who will read it, why it needs to be written and to what standard

– Be clear about what learners are expected to write and the style in which it needs to be completed

– Provide examples of tasks learners need to produce

– Provide opportunities to practise

LLN skills in training & assessment practice

cont…• Numeracy

– Model the required numeracy skill/s– Demonstrate the use of measuring equipment or

calculators– Demonstration of simple formulae to work out

e.g. ratios, percentages or the interpretation of graphs

– Be clear about when it is important to be accurate

– Make new maths related skills as practical as possible

LLN skills in training & assessment practice - other

considerations• Information communication technology

(ICT)• Keep your language clear and simple• Provide reader friendly documents –

remember the reader comes first• Demonstrate• Talk about it – use the appropriate

vocabulary

LLN skills in training & assessment practice - other

considerations cont…• Reasonable adjustment

– Any reasonable adjustments to the assessment process must ensure that the integrity of the unit being assessed is maintained

• Interpreting– Sometimes it is appropriate to seek assistance

from an interpreter when working with learners from a background other than English

– Interpreting services are available through the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) – www.naati.com.au

LLN skills in training & assessment practice - other

considerations cont…• Mentoring

– Encourage learners to support each other - consider establishing mentors or buddy systems between learners where appropriate

LLN for assessment• Recognition – LLN support to assemble recognition portfolio

of evidence• Multiple choice tests – high level language skills to

understand what to do – explain how these tests work• Written short answer – include practice runs, discuss

marking criteria• Extended written responses – make sure they are

appropriate and at a suitable level• Spoken presentations – clear guidelines, provide

opportunities to practice in short bursts• Oral questions or interviews – allow for short practice runs• Individual or group projects – provide guidelines and rules for

participation roles

LLN help• LLN specialists – access to specialist help will depend

upon the RTO/training environment– Local private or public LLN providers– Industry Skills Councils (ISCs)– The reading & writing hotline 1300 655 506

• Ongoing liaison with LLN specialists• One-to-one LLN tuition• Small group LLN support delivered by a specialist• Team teaching• Language expert working alone