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 levelcont…

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