National Adult Literacy Database

Authors: Robert Savage, Phil Abrami, Noella Piquette-Tomei, Eileen Wood, Gia Deleveaux

Collection: Research Materials

This report describes research designed to explore the effectiveness of the ABRACADABRA (ABRA) web-based literacy system. The project involved more than 400 students in kindergarten to Grade 2 in classrooms in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec.

Analysis of the findings showed that the ABRA system as used by teachers had significant effects on children’s sight word reading and awareness of the structure of language. There were also discernible but non-significant effects on the children’s knowledge of letters.

The authors point out that most previous research on the impact of educational technology has focused on single commercially available CD/video packages. The more dynamic web-based technologies that are readily available, free to all users, could have a profound impact on literacy practice across Canada.

Added: 2012-02-21

View complete record details...

Authors: Stacey Crooks, Paula Davies, Audrey Gardner, Katrina Grieve, Tracey Mollins, Marina Niks, Joani Tannenbaum, Brenda Wright

Collection: Research Materials

To understand and describe the state of a field, researchers traditionally carry out a literature review. This approach is widely accepted as a way to summarize what is known in the field. With Connecting the Dots: Improving Accountability in the Adult Literacy Field in Canada the authors knew they needed to do that. But more was needed. While a literature review was critical to understanding the conceptual underpinnings of recent initiatives for greater accountability, it was important to know the impact of these measures on the field. To do this, it was necessary to talk to people who work in the adult literacy
field to hear their perspectives and learn about their experiences. The field review presented here offers those voices to complement the literature review.

The report is organized into four sections: how participants defined accountability and the different emphases they place on the concept; a picture based on interviewees’ descriptions of how accountability information is collected,
by whom and the gaps and challenges encountered; the issues associated with the implementation of accountability measures, the need for respectful, knowledgeable relationships and clarity in communication and expectations; and finally the topic of resources and funding related to accountability structures.

Funders:

• 
• OLES

Added: 2009-07-07

View complete record details...

Authors: Mary Morrissey, Douglas Myers, Paul Bélanger, Magali Robitaille, Phil Davison, Joy Van Kleef, Rick Williams

Collection: Research Materials

This document offers an analysis of the status of prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) across Canada. As well, it includes suggestions about what is needed in order for employers, post-secondary institutions, and government to recognize and value experiential and informal learning.

The authors point out that while expanding the understanding of learning and education is certainly an issue of social justice, it is also a matter of pressing economic urgency in the face of labour shortages, skills deficits, and underrepresentation of specific populations within the labour markets.

The document includes several appendices that provide information on the recognition of PLAR activities in 12 Canadian jurisdictions; the development of policies and practices related to PLAR in Quebec; eight international case studies; standards and principles for PLAR; the Halifax Declaration for the Recognition of Prior Learning; and impediments to adult learner participation.

Funders:

• Canadian Council on Learning (CCL)

Added: 2012-02-22

View complete record details...

See also:

• Réaliser notre potentiel : Plan d’action pour l’évaluation et la reconnaissance des acquis (ÉRA) au Canada - Sommaire

Series: Learning on Demand: Numeracy - The Basics - Video Tutorials

Authors: Workplace Education Manitoba (WEM)

Collection: Learning Materials

This video tutorial offers an introduction to adding and subtracting decimals.

It begins with a review of columns and their names. For instance, to the right of the decimal, the columns are called tenths, hundredths, thousandths and so on.

The instructor also touches on borrowing and carrying when performing calculations.

Added: 2012-04-17

View complete record details...

Series: Learning on Demand: Numeracy - The Basics - Video Tutorials

Authors: Workplace Education Manitoba (WEM)

Collection: Learning Materials

In this brief video tutorial, learners get a chance to practise their skills at adding and subtracting decimals.

The video includes three problems that illustrate a variety of challenges that may occur in calculations involving decimals. For instance, the solution to the third problem ends up being a negative number.

Added: 2012-04-17

View complete record details...

Series: Learning on Demand: Numeracy - The Basics - Video Tutorials

Authors: Workplace Education Manitoba (WEM)

Collection: Learning Materials

This video provides an introduction to adding and subtracting fractions, beginning with a review of the terms numerator and denominator.

The instructor goes through the steps for solving three problems, including reducing the resulting fraction to its simplest form.

The three problems are straightforward because each of the fractions involved has the same denominator.

Added: 2012-03-07

View complete record details...

Series: Learning on Demand: Numeracy - The Basics - Video Tutorials

Authors: Workplace Education Manitoba (WEM)

Collection: Learning Materials

This math video tutorial offers learners a chance to practise their skills at adding and subtracting fractions.

The video includes three fairly simply problems. In each example, all the fractions have the same denominator.

Added: 2012-03-07

View complete record details...

Series: Learning on Demand: Numeracy - The Basics - Video Tutorials

Authors: Workplace Education Manitoba (WEM)

Collection: Learning Materials

In this math video tutorial, learners deal with more complicated operations involving fractions.

The instructor takes viewers through a number of problems involving fractions that do not have the same denominator. The learner must find a common denominator before going on to the next stage of the problem

Added: 2012-03-13

View complete record details...

Series: Learning on Demand: Numeracy - The Basics - Video Tutorials

Authors: Workplace Education Manitoba (WEM)

Collection: Learning Materials

This video tutorial gives learners a chance to practise doing math problems involving fractions that don’t have the same denominator.

The tutorial includes three problems. Learners can pause the video while they work out the problems on their own, then restart it to see the instructor’s detailed solutions.

Each problem requires that the learner find a common denominator before completing the calculations.

Added: 2012-03-13

View complete record details...

A Discussion Paper

Authors: Rongo H. Wetere

Collection: Research Materials

The author begins with a discussion of the social and educational problems facing Canada’s Aboriginal people. He argues that Canadians can learn a great deal from the experiences of the indigenous people of other countries, particularly the Maori of New Zealand.

The author outlines initiatives that have raised literacy levels among the Maori, then goes on to describe the ArrowMight Canada program, which was designed to deliver adult literacy, numeracy, and computer education in a home-based format. The program consists of three modules and includes multimedia lessons. Students also have access to help from a community facilitator.

The author explains that the program is based on the experiences of 35 countries in Latin America and Africa, as well as New Zealand, that use the Cuban teaching philosophy found in the “Yo si Puedo” (Yes, I Can) program. Specific modifications have been made to meet the needs of Native and non-Native English-speaking Canadians.

Pilot applications of the program have been carried out in several regions of Canada.

Added: 2011-08-09

View complete record details...