National Adult Literacy Database

Authors: Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCU)

Collection: Research Materials

This report, published by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), monitors progress made towards fulfilling recommendations included in the final document of the Sixth International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VI), held in Belém , Brazil, in 2009.

The authors note that since 2009, a number of new initiatives have been undertaken across Canada. New adult education and literacy policies have been developed in Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Northwest Territories introduced its Aboriginal Languages Plan.

Since the United Nations Literacy Decade mid-term review, hundreds of activities and initiatives have been launched in Canada to improve the literacy levels of Canadians. Most notably, provincial and territorial literacy policies have either been introduced or are in development in all of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories.

Canada faces several challenges in its efforts to increase adult literacy and essential skills. Provinces and territories have identified a range of these, including assessment, data, and evaluation; non-formal learning and certification/credentials; coordination of program delivery; funding; lack of capacity; learning methods/delivery models/tools and resources; partnerships and citizen engagement; culturally appropriate programming; increased access; and learner recruitment.

Added: 2013-02-11

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• Apprentissage et éducation des adultes : Rapport d'étape du Canada en vue du Rapport mondial sur l'apprentissage et l'éducation des adultes (GRALE) de l'UNESCO et de la fin de la Décennie des Nations Unies pour l'alphabétisation (DNUA)

Series: Using Essential Skills and Apprenticeship Tools - HRSDC

Authors: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

Collection: Learning Materials

The authors of this booklet encourage candidates for apprenticeships to prepare for training by learning more about the program and by improving their Essential Skills.

They suggest a number of activities, including making lists of people to contact, community resources and websites that offer information about trades and skills upgrading; setting goals; and tracking achievement.

As well, they encourage apprenticeship candidates to make an honest assessment of their Essential Skills and make a concrete plan for improving weak areas.

For more information on the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, visit http://www.red-seal.ca.

Added: 2012-07-27

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• Avant la formation : Ressources vous permettant de renforcer vos compétences essentielles

Series: Communication Essentials - HRSDC

Authors: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

Collection: Learning Materials

This guide offers facilitators the tools they need to deliver a one-day workshop designed to help learners build and practise their oral communication skills.

Oral communication has four levels of complexity, with one being the most basic level and four the most advanced. The curriculum in this workshop is targeted for learners at Levels 2 and 3. The introduction and conclusion modules of the workshop can be used with both Level 2 and Level 3 audiences with minimal adaptation. The core exercises, however, are specifically targeted to Level 2 or Level 3.

The guide contains step-by-step instructions for preparing for the workshop; a supplies checklist; and a suggested timetable for the workshop.

The workshop curriculum’s modular structure allows facilitators to customize the content to meet the needs of intended learners.

Added: 2012-03-21

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• Principes fondamentaux de la communication : Atelier modulaire – Présentation

Complexity Level 2

Series: Communication Essentials - HRSDC

Authors: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

Collection: Learning Materials

This document contains core exercises for a one-day workshop aimed at helping learners improve their oral communication skills.

The exercises focus on six skills: listening; asking questions; giving instructions; sharing an opinion; saying no; and giving and receiving feedback. There is at least one exercise for each of those skills.

The authors note that it is not necessary to cover all six skill areas in a one-day workshop. Facilitators are encouraged to choose topics and exercises that are most relevant to the abilities, needs and interests of their learners.

Added: 2012-03-13

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• Principes fondamentaux de la communication : Atelier modulaire – Exercices

Authors: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

Collection: Learning Materials

This presentation, designed for a workshop on oral communication, provides an overview of the subject as both a skill in itself and as one of the nine Essential Skills.

It includes lists of factors that can help or hinder communication; reasons for studying communication; pointers about culture and communication; and diagrams illustrating the complexity of group communication.

The authors list four elements of successful communication, which they describe as the four Ps: purpose, preparation, patience, and persistence.

Added: 2012-03-01

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• Principes fondamentaux de la communication : Atelier sur les compétences en communication orale

Series: Self-Assessment Tools - HRSDC

Authors: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

Collection: Learning Materials

This is one in a series of self-assessment tools prepared by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) to help individuals determine their grasp of essential skills.

The first section of this document includes a series of statements designed to measure how well a person uses computers or other electronic equipment. The individual must check off either Yes, Somewhat or No in response to each statement.

The second section, on personal development, requires the respondent to identify both his strengths and the areas where he needs improvement.

Added: 2010-08-31

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• Auto-évaluation en informatique

Series: Learning Tools - HRSDC

Authors: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

Collection: Learning Materials

This document includes keyboard shortcuts, tips for dealing with computer problems, and advice on Internet security.

The authors have included learning exercises at both basic and higher levels, along with a worksheet to chart progress.

Added: 2010-10-26

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• Fiche de conseils sur l'informatique

Series: Self-Assessment Tools - HRSDC

Authors: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

Collection: Learning Materials

This is one in a series of self-assessment tools prepared by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) to help individuals evaluate their essential skills.

The first section of this document consists of a series of statements designed to measure how effective an individual is at expanding his ability to learn by upgrading his skills and increasing his knowledge. The respondent must check off either Yes, Maybe or No for each statement.

The second section, on personal development, requires the respondent to identify both his strengths and the areas where his numeracy skills need improvement.

Added: 2010-09-17

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• Auto-évaluation de la formation continue

Authors: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

Collection: Learning Materials

This brief document provides tools for organizations that want to develop effective partnerships for supporting Literacy and Essential Skills (LES).

The authors set out a four-step process: define partnership goals; identify potential partners; build a successful partnership; and maintain that partnership. There are tips and checklists to help focus and clarify each step of the process.

Potential partners include federal, provincial/territorial and municipal governments; other businesses; industry/business associations and sector councils; unions and employee associations; community colleges and school boards; community organizations; and national literacy organizations and provincial/territorial coalitions.

Added: 2012-03-07

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• Établir des partenariats pour appuyer l’alphabétisation et l’amélioration des compétences essentielles

Series: Audio Centre - HRSDC

Authors: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

Collection: Learning Materials

This audio file is part of a podcast series developed by Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES), Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), describing a research project that will help to update the computer use element of the Essential Skills framework.

In this segment, the manager of the policy and research group within OLES discusses consultations with employers carried out as part of the project. While only 20 employers responded to an online survey, they represented a broad range of occupations and sectors throughout Canada.

Among the points raised by employers were the lack of means for assessing the digital skills of workers in many workplaces; a general sense that many workers, especially older ones, do not have the skills they need to work in these new environments; and worries that rapid changes in technology leave many employees simply using trial and error to respond to new situations.

Added: 2012-03-21

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• Recherche sur les compétences numériques : Entrevue avec Natalie Frank, gestionnaire, BACE - Consultations avec les employeurs [Audio - 3 :36]