The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), through the Adult Literacy Research Program (ALRP), commissioned research on a variety of topics relating to adult literacy and numeracy from 2002 until 2007 when funding ceased. Funds for this research program were provided by the former Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training through the Adult Literacy National Project. Before this, any literacy-related research was undertaken through the NCVER National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation program.

Topics ranged from teaching and learning approaches and outcomes, to the professional development needs of literacy practitioners, with the research also covering literacy practices and various approaches across Indigenous and ethnic communities, industry, volunteer and community settings. Over 30 research reports, research overviews, 'Good Practice Guides' and other documents have been produced.

A quick and easy way to get a sense of what the reports are about is to read the Adult Literacy Research Overviews. These are two-page documents that summarise the purpose of the research, how it was done, the main findings implications from the findings.

The priorities that shaped the commissioned research over the duration of the ALRP were:

In 2003

• Teaching and learning practices focusing on: teaching styles to improve adult literacy; models of provision for on-going learning; ICT: impact on literacy; improving numeracy in the workplace.
• Impact of poor literacy on society, the economy, health and wefare.

In 2004

• The professional development needs of adult literacy and numeracy teachers and trainers.
• A comprehensive study into the full range and nature of adult language, literacy and numeracy provision in Australia.

In 2005

• Examining the relevance and responsiveness of current literacy and numeracy training to industry’s workplace needs.
• Identifying the perceptions and experiences of learners and potential learners in literacy and numeracy programs.
• Mapping literacy and numeracy provision in community settings.

In 2006

• Teaching and learning approaches to language, literacy and numeracy skills development.
• Language, literacy and numeracy clients: what are their needs and how do we measure success?

All fundings rounds also included an 'open' category in which forward looking and innovative research proposals were invited.

To see the full list of ALRP-funded publications click here.

Two research reviews, in particular, acted as strong precursors to the ALRP research. These were:

• Vocational education and training literacy and numeracy: review of research, Moira Watson, Lindsay Nicholson, and Elaine Sharplin NCVER 2001
• Literacy and numeracy in vocational education and training: review of research, Ian Falk and Pat Millar NCVER 2001

The issues and themes identified in the Watson review of research are similar to those explored through the ALRP research:

• Difficulty of measuring and evaluating.
• Literacy in various settings - workplace, VET and community education.
• Culturally appropriate provision.
• Professional development and teacher education.

Interesting report in VOCED

Adult literacy and numeracy research and the demise of NCVER funding, Pauline O'Maley 2007.

Did you know?

From 1999-2001 the Adult Literacy and Numeracy Australian Research Consortium - a collaboration between university-based research centres - was funded by the Australian National Training Authority and Department of Education, Science and Training to manage adult literacy research. Previously, Language Australia managed the research by the Adult Literacy Research Network.

LLN research developed during this era can be found via the VOCED database using the terms 'Language Australia' or 'Adult Literacy Research Network' in the search field.