banner

 

Teaching, training and assessment resources > Foundation skills

Resources on this page are a mix of free and for purchase and are categorised as 'research' or 'focus on practice'. All resources listed are Australian in origin unless otherwise labelled.

 

Click on the following topics to access resources:

What's new in Foundation skills

  • Adult numeracy teacher training [added 21 December 2023]
    (Source: Reading Writing Hotline)
    This series of eight short, free video tutorials consists of an introduction to adult learning principles in a numeracy context, and seven activity-based videos focussed on different areas of numeracy. Developed by the Reading Writing Hotline with Dr Keiko Yasukawa from the University of Technology, Sydney, they are designed to help trainers and tutors feel more confident supporting adults with numeracy gaps. Each tutorial demonstrates teaching in a classroom as well as the exploration of the theory behind the teaching.
  • Digital skills for education & training: a good practice guide [added 7 September 2023]
    (Author/source: TeachingOnline.com.au with Dr Deniese Cox, 2023)
    Recent research by Dr Deniese Cox has that found that, not only are digital skills a barrier to education participation for learners, but providing remedial digital skills support to learners has a significant impact on the work of educators. This good practice guide has been developed to address these learner and educator challenges. It presents practical, research-driven guidelines to inform the selection and implementation of learner digital skill support systems in education and training.
    The guide is available free to all educators and providers.
  • National Numeracy: Getting on with numbers [UK] [added 7 September 2023]
    National Numeracy was established as an independent charity in 2012 to help raise low levels of numeracy among both adults and children and to promote the importance of everyday maths skills. National Numeracy works towards this goal in two ways: (1) raising awareness about poor numeracy levels which exist in the UK, how numeracy differs from mathematics, and promoting the recognition that everyone can improve through campaigns such as National Numeracy Day; and (2) improving numeracy by providing a platform for people to check and improve their maths skills with the National Numeracy Challenge, giving them a space to assess and learn at their own pace.
    National Numeracy's 2017 report, 'The Essentials of Numeracy: a new approach to making the UK numerate', provides an overview of the issue; why things aren't working and proposed solutions.
  • Numeracy skills interventions for adults (19+): a systematic review of the evidence [UK] [added 7 September 2023]
    (Source: Department for Education, 2023)
    This research aims to inform the development of policy in this area as part of the UK government's Multiply programme. The study reviews the evidence base for interventions intended to improve numeracy skills among adults with below Level 2 qualifications in mathematics.
    The review looks at: (1) the lessons that can be learnt from adult skills policy in this area over the past 20 years; (2) what is known about adults (19+) in the UK who have limited numeracy skills (below Level 2); and (3) the approaches that seem to be the most and least successful in supporting different groups of adults to improve their numeracy skills, up to and including Level 2.

Introduction to Foundation skills

Overview

  • National Foundation Skills Framework 2022 to 2032 [2022]
    The Framework sets out a 10 year model for collective action by governments working with stakeholders to improve the foundation skills of Australian adults. This paper outlines the outcomes-based approach, the process of development and the structure of the Framework.
  • The National Foundation Skills Strategy for Adults defines foundation skills as 'the combination of: English language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) - listening, speaking, reading, writing, digital literacy and use of mathematical ideas; and employability skills, such as collaboration, problem solving, self-management, learning and information and communication technology (ICT) skills required for participation in modern workplaces and contemporary life. Foundation skills development includes both skills acquisition and the critical application of these skills in multiple environments for multiple purposes'.
    • The strategy focuses on improving outcomes for working age Australians (aged 15-64 years) with a view to moving more people to higher levels, but with a particular focus on those with low levels of foundation skill proficiency. Australian governments have set an aspirational target that by 2022, two thirds of working age Australians will have literacy and numeracy skills at Level 3 or above.
    • Standards 10.6 Foundation skills
      (Source: Standards for VET Accredited Courses, Australian Skills Quality Authority)
  • Foundation skills information
    This Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations web page lists information and programs that support adults in Australia to increase their literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and employability skills – known collectively as foundation skills.
  • Formal university qualifications for adult literacy and numeracy
    (Source: Australian Council for Adult Literacy)
    ACAL has compiled this information about opportunities for professional development in the field of adult literacy and numeracy. These specialist teaching qualifications are available at Charles Sturt University and University of Technology Sydney:
  • The FSK Foundation Skills Training Package differs from all other training packages in that it is designed to work in combination with them to support the achievement of vocational pathways.
  • Foundation Skills Professional Standards Framework [2017]
    As an action of the Foundation Skills Workforce Development (FSWD) project, the scoping of a Foundation Skills Professional Standards Framework aimed to build the capacity of the education and training workforces to deliver foundation skills
  • The Australian Core Skills Framework is a tool providing a consistent national approach to identifying and developing the core skills in three diverse contexts: personal and community; workplace and employment; and education and training. It helps both specialist and non-specialist LLN practitioners describe an individual's performance in the five core skills of learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy.
    • Foundation Skills for your Future program: Digital Literacy Skills Framework
      • Digital literacy refers to the skills and competencies needed to use digital technologies to achieve personal goals, enhance employability skills and support education and training. The Digital Literacy Skills Framework has been developed to support the Foundation Skills for your Future Commonwealth Government Program.
      • The framework sits alongside the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF), 2012 and the ACSF Pre Level 1, 2017 and can be used to enhance the current ACSF, up to and including Level 3. Digital literacy has been added as the sixth core skill to this framework to reinforce the concept that digital literacy is part of an integral suite of core skills that are fundamental for individuals to be able to participate in society and work.
    • Review of the Australian Core Skills Framework and Digital Literacy Skills Framework and relevant assessment tools
      In 2022 the former Department of Education, Skills and Employment commissioned the Australian Council for Educational Research to conduct a review of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) and the Digital Literacy Skills Framework (DLSF). This report of the review makes recommendations to support the frameworks in meeting identified stakeholder needs.

Free resources

Research

  • Adult Learning Australia has published its latest Australian Adult Community Education environmental scan [2022]
    The scan profiles the sector in terms of its programs, features, provider types, participants, outcomes and supporting policy areas. It also explores the challenges facing the sector in terms of sustainability.
    Previous scans are available in VOCEDplus.
  • Adult literacy and numeracy: research and future strategy [2009]
    (Source: NCVER)
    From 2002 to 2006, the Australian Government funded the Adult Literacy Research Program (ALRP), which was managed by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research. This report considers how the ALRP has contributed to the adult language, literacy and numeracy sector.
  • Adult literacy practitioners and employability skills: resisting neo-liberalism? [article, UK, 2019]
    The authors draw on theories of policy enactment to explore the ways in which the situated, material and external contexts and professional cultures in adult literacy in the UK have influenced practitioners. Findings show that literacy practitioners translate and enact policy texts based on their situated contexts and professional cultures leading to approaches to teaching and learning that keep learners and their goals at the centre of the curriculum.
  • Curriculum globALE: competency framework for adult educators [international, 2021]
    Published by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, this publication introduces Curriculum globALE, a basic competence framework for the training of adult educators worldwide. By providing a modular, competency-based framework and cross-curricular approach, Curriculum globALE supports the professionalization of adult learning and education by specifying core competencies as a reference framework for the qualification of adult educators.
  • The digital literacy imperative [issue brief, US]
    Published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, this brief acknowledges that pervasiveness of digitalisation and the importance of acquiring the right set of digital skills for learning and workforce readiness. It highlights the digital skills continuum, multilateral efforts on digital literacy, and the role of the United States in these efforts.
  • Exploring perspectives on adult language, literacy and numeracy [2016]
    (Source: NCVER)
    This review focuses on the perspectives of adult language, literacy and numeracy, particularly the human capital and social practices perspectives, which at times do not sit comfortably in relation to each other.
  • Insights from the classroom: a survey of adult literacy providers
    This report provides a high-level summary of outcomes from a national survey of adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy (LND) needs. The survey was commissioned by the national Reading Writing Hotline and co-designed with and administered by Social Equity Works. The aim is to build a picture of current delivery, the need identified for literacy, numeracy and digital literacy programs across Australia and the barriers experienced by both providers and learners.
  • Integrated approaches to literacy and skills development [international, 2021]
    This publication from the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning showcases 21 examples of integrated youth and adult learning and education programmes implemented in various social, cultural and economic contexts around the world and featured in the UNESCO Effective Literacy and Numeracy Practices Database, also known as LitBase.
  • Literacy and numeracy in vocational education and training: review of research [2001]
    (Source: NCVER)
    The aim of this report is to bring together the major insights from research since 1990 on literacy and numeracy as they relate to vocational education and training. It deals with the complexities of the relationships between VET and workplaces and schools as well as the language, literacy, numeracy relationship. The report includes relevant policy developments and practice in the field.
  • A literacy and numeracy policy for adult Australians: a position paper from the Australian Council for Adult Literacy [2020]
    A new national framework is needed that acknowledges the breadth and diversity of adult learner needs that must be addressed. The paper recommends a policy founded on an intergovernmental approach that connects the national policy with local response and responsibility, and in so doing, enables a single framework to facilitate responsiveness to the diverse and specific needs and demands in local contexts. It also suggests the necessity to transgress the traditional boundaries between education policy and broader social policies to maximise the range of social outcomes that are known to be associated with improved literacy.
  • Literacy in the new millennium [2004]
    (Source: NCVER)
    This paper examines some of the often contradictory ways in which literacy has been defined before considering how and why literacy conceptions have changed over the years. The final section of the paper outlines a number of implications for literacy policy and practice highlighted by the research.
  • The professional development requirements of Workplace English Language and Literacy Programme practitioners [2006]
    (Source: NCVER)
    This report examines the extent and nature of professional development required to meet the current and future needs of Workplace English Language and Literacy Programme practitioners.

Focus on practice

  • Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) assessment resources
    (Source: Precision Consultancy)
    The ACSF provides a consistent national approach to the identification of language, literacy and numeracy skills requirements in diverse work, training, personal and community contexts, and is a common reference point for describing and discussing performance within the five core skill areas of Learning, Reading, Writing, Oral communication and Numeracy. These validated ACSF assessment tasks are designed to be used by assessors who are experienced LLN practitioners with a sound working knowledge of the ACSF. Workplace trainers who are not experienced LLN practitioners may use the tasks but should seek advice about their judgements from an experienced practitioner.
  • Australian Council for Adult Literacy
    ACAL promotes adult literacy and numeracy policy and practice.
  • Building Strength with Numeracy
    (Source: VALBEC)
  • Community Colleges Australia National ACE Summit [added 27 April, 2022]
    The Summit was organised and held on 5 April 2022 to enhance the capacity of Australia's ACE sector to deliver results for building the skills base of Australian communities, battered by two years of COVID-19. The Foundation skills panel discussion featured Dave Tout, Australian Council for Educational Research; Dr Keiko Yasukawa, UTS; Vanessa Iles, Reading Writing Hotline; and Jo Medlin, Australian Council for Adult Literacy. The session runs for just over 34 minutes.
  • Digital skills for education & training: a good practice guide 
    (Author/source: TeachingOnline.com.au with Dr Deniese Cox, 2023)
    Recent research by Dr Deniese Cox has that found that, not only are digital skills a barrier to education participation for learners, but providing remedial digital skills support to learners has a significant impact on the work of educators. This good practice guide has been developed to address these learner and educator challenges. It presents practical, research-driven guidelines to inform the selection and implementation of learner digital skill support systems in education and training.
    The guide is available free to all educators and providers.
  • Digital resilience in the American workforce: findings from a national landscape scan on adult digital literacy instruction
    This scan aimed to better understand what training resources and approaches are most relevant for educators seeking to increase foundational digital literacy and digital resilience for an adult learner population.
  • Language Literacy and Numeracy network
    (Source: Adult Learning Australia)
    The ACSF toolkit contains a variety of resources that have been mapped to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). These resources can be used freely for training purposes but cannot be used for commercial purposes. Only available to to Adult Learning Australia members of the LLN network.
  • LINCS Adult Education and Literacy Resource Collection [United States]
    The Literacy Information and Communication System (LINCS) is a national leadership initiative of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) to expand evidence-based practice in the field of adult education. The resources in this collection have been reviewed by subject matter experts and recommended and approved by the Department.
  • Literacy measurement: a holistic framework [international]
    (Source: Center for Education Innovations, Washington DC)
    This framework provides users with resources, background research, methodologies and discussion around relevant dimensions of measurement for literacy, drawing on and compiling existing materials from a wide variety of sources.
    The framework provides relevant dimensions for measuring a literacy program's performance and learners' literacy outcomes. It also contains helpful tips for measurement.
    The framework contains resources and best practices that are relevant across age groups, literacy levels and geographies, and is designed to be relevant for implementers and evaluators of literacy programs who are looking for guidance around a monitoring and evaluation strategy for their program. The framework may be most relevant for organisations doing work in developing countries or under-resourced settings, however those working in other environments may also find utility in the framework and its corresponding resources.
    [Edited excerpts from publisher's website]
  • LLN and VET Meeting Place
    This site provides a resource repository with links to information and practical advice to help adult educators support LLN and foundation skill development through vocational education and training and other adult education contexts. The repository has links to resources that cover:  language literacy and numeracy, plus other foundation skills; and vocational education and training. The site occasionally post news of trends, research or events related to LLN (and other foundation skills) or VET.
  • LLN network [only available to ALA members of the LLN network]
    (Source: Adult Learning Australia)
  • LLN resources for teaching and learning
    (Source: Australian Council for Educational Research)
  • Lost for Words: series 2 [SBS documentary]
    This three-part documentary series follows nine Australians hoping to overcome their struggle to read, write and do basic mathematics by taking part in an intensive adult literacy program. The series is hosted and narrated by literacy advocate Jay Laga'aia.
    Series 2 begins on Wednesday 17 October 2022 at 7.30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand.
    Watch the trailer
  • Love Apptually: apps to support learning [2012]
    (Source: Queensland VET Development Centre)
    This resource has been structured primarily on the Australian Core Skills Framework and is designed to assist VET practitioners and learners to select applications (apps) for mobile devices that support VET teaching and learning. A list of apps appears under each core skill and notes how it could be used in the development of the skill.
  • New videos on Reading Writing Hotline
    New videos feature Mike and Adam, a teacher on the SBS series Lost for Words, who discuss literacy teaching and learning and taking the first step. Useful in foundation skills training, as conversation starters to encourage students to share their experiences.
  • Plain English
    A free resource available from the Reading Writing Hotline providing information about how to use plain language. There is also information about adult literacy in Australia and case studies of what organisations are doing to make the world a more readable place.
  • Skillswise [UK]
    (Source: BBC)
    Practical videos, games and quizzes to build English and maths skills for adults in a variety of contexts, including workplaces.
  • Teaching/learning resources
    (Source: Reading Writing Hotline)
  • UNESCO Effective Literacy and Numeracy Practices Database (LitBase)
    LitBase is a continuously developing collection of case studies of youth and adult literacy programmes, representing some of the best practice from countries in all world regions. It provides a resource for providers and practitioners seeking to develop programmes that compare to the best in terms of design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and impact.
  • VALBEC (Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council)
    A not for profit, volunteer managed, professional organisation that represents the adult literacy, numeracy and basic education fields in Victoria. Produces the journal Fine Print and runs a range of professional development activities.
  • Your car explained [2020]
    This e-learning resource was created to assist users in developing the knowledge of the basic car parts and symptoms that are vital to operating a car. It can assist the adult literacy trainer to educate people from all walks of life including those from non-English speaking backgrounds or those who have low levels of literacy.

For purchase

These are examples only of commercially available products. Inclusion on this list does not signify endorsement by NCVER.

  • Language, Literacy and Numeracy Tutor Skill Set
    (Source: TasTAFE)
    This online skill set is designed to provide the skills needed to become an Adult Literacy Tutor - and is free for Tasmanian residents. This highly interactive course is delivered in the online environment over ten weeks and includes contemporary readings, videos, podcasts, websites, discussion boards and webinars. Following the ten week course, you will be given an additional ten weeks to complete the assessment. On successful completion of this course, you will receive a Statement of Attainment for the units successfully completed, and be equipped with the skills you need to start tutoring adults in a wide range of businesses, organisations and in the community. If you do not wish to be officially assessed, you can complete four simple quizzes and planning tasks for an adult learner to obtain a Statement of Attendance to recognise your learning in the course.
  • TAE resources
    (Source: Compliant Learning Resources)
    Includes:

Access more items in VOCEDplus

Foundation skills in VET

Free resources

Research

  • Community adult language, literacy and numeracy provision in Australia: diverse approaches and outcomes [2007]
    (Source: NCVER)
    This study examined non-accredited community language, literacy and numeracy provision in Australia. A diverse range of providers assist many adults who do not need or cannot yet cope with accredited training. Growth in self-confidence appears as important as development of literacy and numeracy skills, with teachers and tutors playing a key role in this.
  • Focussing on generic skills in training packages [2002]
    (Source: NCVER)
    Ten industry training packages are investigated to assess how much focus they give to the attainment of generic skills. Drawing on recent case studies where generic skills are taught in companies and TAFE institutes using training packages, the study also examines approaches that can enhance the delivery of generic skills so that students are better prepared for the new demands of the workplace.
  • Journeying through VET: a case study of foundation skills learners
    (Source: NCVER)
    Adult language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills as well as employability skills (e.g. collaboration, problem solving) often referred to as foundation skills - are key ingredients that help people get a job, remain employed, look after their mental and physical health, and participate in their community. The role of VET in helping people develop these skills is of interest. Using Total VET Activity (TVA) and National Student Outcomes Survey (SOS) data this research explores the enrolment paths, program completions and employment and further study outcomes of learners who had enrolled in nationally recognised foundation skills programs between 2016 and 2019. The research highlights the complex enrolment journeys foundation skills learners take through VET.
  • Online learning, digital isolation and COVID-19 [2020]
    (Source: Reading Writing Hotline)
    Feedback from the Language, Literacy and Numeracy sector is that many adults do not have the skills, understanding or access to technology to succeed in education. Employers are also requiring employees to use more digital practices, needing additional training. Whilst there is a drumbeat for online learning, it is important to be reminded that it does not meet the needs of all learners, particularly those experiencing disadvantage and may undermine the basis for community education impacting social connection. [Excerpt from publisher]
  • Provision of foundation skills training by community education providers in regional Australia [research report] [2021]
    (Source: NCVER)
    This research investigates the contribution community education providers make to foundation skills training in regional Australia, the models of delivery which seemed to work best, and whether the undertaking of foundation skills training helps build social and human capital of the individual and broader community. The research finds that proportionally more regional community education providers deliver foundation skills training than other regional training providers. Completions among students at regional community education providers are high but little is known about education or employment pathways following training due to difficulties in tracking students.

Focus on practice

  • Adapting Lesson Study for community college mathematics instruction (project + report, 2017-2021, US)
    Lesson Study is a structured, collaborative professional development intervention that has shown evidence of improving mathematics instruction among K-12 teachers. Despite a lengthy history of use internationally and in elementary and secondary schools in the United States, Lesson Study has rarely been implemented in higher education. This project will test the usability of Lesson Study among instructors teaching developmental mathematics at three community colleges in Oregon.
  • Addressing foundation skills in assessment tools: facilitators guide [2020]
    (Source: iLearn eCollege)
    This guide provides information for facilitators planning to deliver this workshop on 'Addressing Foundation Skills in Vocational Assessment Tools'. The background information is recommended as pre-reading before delivering the session to provide context and background on the focus on foundation skills and current initiatives to address the challenge. This guide is not intended to be prescriptive but rather supportive for experienced facilitators with skill, knowledge and an interest in improving student outcomes by enhancing assessment tools through the use of the Foundation Skills Training Package as a resource.
  • Built in not bolted on: information kit for language, literacy and numeracy coordinators on incorporating communication skills into training packages [1998]
    Produced by ANTA, this kit provides information on the National Training Framework, training packages, industry standards and assessment, and the implications of these changes for language, literacy and numeracy practitioners.
  • A conversation about adult education with the Australian Council for Adult Literacy
    (Source: ProLiteracy on YouTube, August 2022)
    Participants from ACAL and ProLiteracy discuss their organizations and the similarities and differences between adult education and literacy in the U.S. and Australia.
  • Effective practices in post-16 vocational maths [2014, UK]
    This project looks at some of the best ideas from around the world for teaching maths to learners aged 16-19, with a focus on the teaching of learners who have previously struggled with maths. It focuses on pedagogy as well as how to enhance learner motivation and engagement, and the experience of employers in supporting the teaching of maths to these learners. The research found that cultural contexts and negative attitudes all have an impact on the teaching of maths and learners' maths development.
  • English, maths and digital delivery in traineeships and apprenticeships: case studies [2018, UK]
    Uses six case studies to demonstrate effective practice in the delivery of English, maths and digital skills across a range of traineeship and/or apprenticeship providers, and practices that are particularly effective for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
  • How to teach critical thinking [discussion paper, 2019]
    (Source: NSW Department of Education and Training)
    This paper considers what cognitive science can tell us about how critical thinking is acquired, and the implications for how education might best develop critical thinking capabilities in light of this evidence. A four-step process to develop a program to teach critical thinking is recommended.
  • Into learning: a professional development kit for teachers and trainers of adult literacy learners from aural/oral learning cultures [2006]
    This DVD/CD-ROM kit facilitates dialogue on how best to facilitate the acquisition of second language literacy. It features five filmed sequences in five classrooms, each of which may be used as the basis of a professional development session for teachers and tutors.
  • Language literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment tool information
    (Source: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations)
    Lists assessment tools approved for use to meet the VET Student Loans program student entry requirements.
  • Literacy Net
    (Source: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations)
    Literacy Net belonged to the former Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) program. This program has now ceased. This page contains a list of websites which contained resources developed under the WELL program. The department has no control over third party websites and information linked from this page which may no longer be accurate, reliable, current or complete. The department is not able to facilitate access to third party resources previously made available under the program.
  • LLN Resources
    (Source: RTO Doctor)
    A range of publicly available LLN resources providers could use to support LLN in their education and training.
  • Outstanding teaching, learning and assessment: a summary of projects in the OTLA Phase 6 (English) Programme [UK]
    This report contains summaries of 12 projects which researched new approaches for teaching English in the post-16 sector.
  • Simplifying embedded literacy and numeracy for tertiary tutors: practical ideas and resources for teaching and learning [2020, New Zealand]
    The guides feature teaching and learning strategies presented in simple diagrams and pictures that are based on practice that has been trialed and refined over the last few years.
  • The crux of the matter: language, literacy and numeracy and vocational education and training [2011]
    (Source: Queensland VET Development Centre)
    Provides models of good practice, suggestions and practical assistance and a number fact files that include practical information and tools. Updated to take into account changes to the VET system: the development of the Australian Core Skills Framework (replacing the National Reporting System) and the review of the Australian Quality Training Framework.
  • Transforming ideas into action when Foundation Skill needs are identified [2014]
    (Source: Ann Leske, 2014 Australian Council for Adult Literacy Conference)
    Presents a ten step process for identifying and delivering the required Foundation skills within a Unit of Competence.
  • What Works for LLN video library
    (Source: Ideas that Work)
    An online library of free LLN training and professional development videos.

Industry specific

Access more items in VOCEDplus

For purchase

These are examples only of commercially available products. Inclusion on this list does not signify endorsement by NCVER.

Foundation skills in the workplace

Free resources

Research

Focus on practice

  • Numeracy in focus: building VET practitioner awareness of numeracy in the workplace: a professional development resource [2013]
    (Source: Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education)
    This resource is designed to support the development and recognition of numeracy training skills and knowledge of vocational education and training (VET) practitioners consistent with the requirements of the Vocational Graduate Certificate in Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice. The resource is a companion to Numeracy in practice: building workplace numeracy proficiency and training skills of VET practitioners.
  • Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy 101: What employers need to know [webinar recording]
    What are the issues and challenges around language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy in the workplace? This online event from the Ai Group Centre for Education and Training was held on 10 November 2021. The webinar presented a panel discussion designed to introduce key concepts and discuss strategies to overcome barriers around LLN and digital literacy in the workplace.
  • Unlocking workforce potential: an employer guide to using the Australian Core Skills Framework in the workplace [2014]
    (Source: Australian Industry Group)
    The guide demonstrates how the ACSF can be used to: document workplace core skill requirements; review internal systems and processes for their core skill demands; communicate with the workforce about core skills and their importance; and outline core skill needs to trainers and training providers.
  • Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Programme
    This government-funded  aimed to assist Australian organisations to train workers in English language, literacy and numeracy skills. The programme closed on 30 June 2014.
  • WELL professional development guide for trainers and assessors: analysing LLN requirements [2017]
    (Source: Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council)
    This professional development guide for trainers and assessors focuses on methods and processes for analysing language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) needs of learners. The objective of the kit is to raise awareness and provide information, case studies and tools to enhance knowledge and understanding of LLN issues and support needs of learners in the construction and property services industry.
  • Writing in plain English [1997]
    Published in 1997, this guide from the Department of the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories was part of the Australian government's program to help public servants express themselves clearly and achieve high standards in all their publications. It can be used as an instructor's handbook or by individuals as a self-instruction manual. Topics include: audience identification; language choice; grammar and punctuation; organising ideas; acronyms; technical words; graphic representations; document design and costing; and editing.

Access more items in VOCEDplus

Foundation skills for speakers of languages other than English

Free resources

Research

  • Literacy for Life Foundation 
    Literacy for Life Foundation is an Aboriginal-run charity training Aboriginal people to bring literacy to their communities. The Foundation uses an innovative, evidence-based, campaign approach that has helped millions around the world. The University of New England carries out regular evaluations of the Foundation's work to help measure impact and to identify areas for improvement.

Focus on practice

  • Adult Migrant English Program
    • Volunteer Tutor resources 
      Topic Packs were designed in 2011 by the Department of Education and Training who managed the AMEP at that time to support AMEP volunteer tutors and are organised by language levels (pre-beginner, beginner, post beginner and intermediate). They are intended to support the tutor in the delivery of sessions and are organised by language levels (pre-beginner, beginner, post beginner and intermediate). The syllabus focuses on issues relating to settlement in Australia and will provide new arrivals with information about Australian society, culture, laws, services and practices. They are intended to complement existing resources and include teaching tips and strategies, ideas for developing a session and excursion ideas.
  • Digital read-along stories for adult ESOL learners and beginning readers [New Zealand]
    Written by ESOL educator Celia Hope, these resources allow learners to view and read stories online, and download. The stories are relevant to the lives of new settlers to Aotearoa New Zealand.
  • EAL/D teacher resources - adult 
    (Source: Australian Council of TESOL Associations)
    • Curriculum - Victorian Adult EAL Framework 
      The EAL Framework of adult EAL certificates is an accredited curriculum designed to be used to develop English language skills of adult learners of English as an additional language. It was developed in Victoria. It has 10 certificates across all levels beginner to advanced and in three streams: Access, Further Study and Employment. This version accredited for the period: January 1 2019 to December 31 2023. January 1 2019 to December 31 2023.
  • Leveraging innovative technology in literacy and education programmes for refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons [international case studies, 2022] 
    (Source: UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning) 
    This compilation of 21 case studies highlights efforts from around the globe to use ICTs in innovative and effective ways to offer literacy and educational opportunities to young and adult refugees, migrants and IDPs. One of the case studies featured is Connected: Adult Language Learning through Drama, run by the Sydney Theatre Company. The program provides English language learning to adult refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in Australia through drama and literacy workshops.
  • Lost for Words [SBS documentary] 
    This series, commencing on Wednesday, 22 September, follows eight Australians on a life-changing opportunity to transform their lives by taking part in an intensive nine-week long adult literacy program. The series is hosted and narrated by literacy advocate Jay Laga'aia.
  • Reading Writing Hotline Workbooks 
    The Reading Writing Hotline has developed a range of beginner workbooks to assist people who are unable to access courses and would like to start learning from home. Each workbook includes 'Notes for your mentor', with some teaching strategies matching the teaching approach taken in the workbooks. There is a link to a YouTube video for each workbook, going through page by page and explaining what to do each step of the way.
  • TAFE NSW free teaching resources 
    The activities in these resources are aligned to the learning outcomes in the Certificates in Spoken and Written English. They are designed to integrate safety and emergency training into ESL language programs.

For purchase

This is an example only of a commercial producer of training and assessment resources. Inclusion on this list does not signify endorsement by NCVER.

  • English - Have a Go 
    12 x half-hour series for people with English as a second language
  • AMES Australia Bookshop 
    Features a wide range of educational resources for English language learners and ESL teachers - from basic resources for learning English to advanced industry-specific training resources for teachers working with students who have English as their second language.

Related VOCEDplus resources