National Adult Literacy Database

Authors: Adult Learning Knowledge Centre (AdLKC)

In this 30-minute video, Dr. Paul Cappon, president and CEO of the Canadian Council on Learning (CCL), presents the keynote address to the Adult Learning Knowledge Centre’s (AdLKC’s) fourth and final annual symposium, held in Montreal, Quebec, in June 2009.

Dr. Cappon notes that society puts great value on uncovering the origins of both chronic and transmissible diseases because evidence is key to understanding and, eventually, controlling disease. He argues that learning is just as important as healthcare to the destiny of society, but the importance of research in education isn’t as clearly recognized.

He urges governments to acknowledge that human infrastructure is a public good every bit as important as machines and buildings. He also encourages them to invest in tools to help Canadians assess themselves; promote partnerships with industry to improve workplace education and training; commit to clear, shared goals; and support mobility for students and professions.

A learning culture is important no matter what economic conditions prevail at any given time, he says. Knowing how to learn is the quintessential skill in a knowledge society.

During his presentation, Dr. Cappon switches back and forth between English and French. No subtitles are provided.

Added: 2011-09-23

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See also:

• Colloque annuel de 2009 CSAAd : Conférencier principal – Paul Cappon [Vidéo - 29:53]

Authors: Adult Learning Knowledge Centre (AdLKC)

This document offers an account of the Adult Learning Knowledge Centre’s (AdLKC’s) fourth and final annual symposium, held in Montreal, Quebec, in June 2009.

The authors have provided summaries of 20 presentations that were offered in five concurrent sessions, focusing on such issues as non-formal adult learner programming at post-secondary institutions; adult learning in criminal justice settings; ethical issues in community-based research; and health and learning.

They have also summarized the discussions presented during three plenary sessions, which focused on equitable access to learning; learning strategies for a troubled economy; and the future of adult learning in Canada.

The authors have also included a list of symposium participants.

Added: 2011-05-24

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See also:

• Colloque de 2009 du CSAAd : Relier les collectivités et surmonter les obstacles

A Pan-Canadian Invitational Roundtable February 4 and 5 2008 Ottawa, Ontario

Authors: Adult Learning Knowledge Centre (AdLKC), Work and Learning Knowledge Centre

This report contains the highlights and key findings of a two-day bilingual roundtable discussion on how to achieve improvements in the area of literacy, held in Ottawa in February, 2008. The roundtable brought together more than 80 policy-makers, researchers, and representatives from the literacy movement, community-based organizations, business, and labour.

The event was convened by the Adult Learning Knowledge Centre and the Work and Learning Knowledge Centre, both initiatives of the Canadian Council on Learning (CCL), which has identified literacy as a theme cutting across the entire scope of its activities. CCL’s 2007 State of Learning Report, available at http://library.nald.ca/item/8736, states that improving Canada’s adult literacy levels is everybody’s business.

The authors note that the “tipping point” motif was used to describe the current situation, in which the literacy issue is on the brink of change. Starting with the premise that improving Canada’s literacy record is a shared responsibility, the participants focused on developing ideas to inform diverse sectors, encourage tangible actions, and achieve progress. The emphasis was on reviewing the current state of literacy in Canada and on identifying effective actions.

Added: 2009-06-01

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See also:

• Alphabétisation et littératie : vers le « point tournant »

Community Outreach Initiative: Learners with Disabilities Outreach Report

Series: Community Outreach Initiative Reports

Authors: Stephanie MacLean, Craig MacKinnon, Lois Miller, Independent Living Resource Centre, Adult Learning Knowledge Centre (AdLKC)

This document is the result of consultations carried out in Atlantic Canada during the first half of 2008 by the Adult Learning Knowledge Centre (AdLKC). The consultations sought advice from five communities – people with disabilities, Aboriginal, African-Canadian, Francophone and immigrants – about the problems they faced and the potential solutions they envisioned.

The report was researched and written by the Independent Living Resource Centre in Halifax, which made arrangements with four sister groups to hold meetings of adult learners with disabilities in their local communities. About 250 people with disabilities – physical, mental, intellectual or learning – took part in the meetings.

Participants cited accessibility, financial issues, and attitudes as barriers to learning. Their recommendations included secure funding so that persons with disabilities can be lifelong learners; the provision of accessible transportation and accessible buildings; providing alternative formats for learning and testing materials; the creation of peer support networks and services for adult learners with disabilities; and the establishment of disability-awareness training for educators.

The report also includes appendices listing the survey questions and providing individual reports from participating communities.

Funders:

• Canadian Council on Learning (CCL)

Added: 2010-04-20

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Francophone Community Outreach Report

Series: Community Outreach Initiative Reports

Authors: Danielle Charron, Adult Learning Knowledge Centre (AdLKC)

This document summarizes the report prepared by the Adult Learning Knowledge Centre (AdLKC) after a series of in-person meetings and teleconferences with official-language minority groups in Atlantic Canada. The object of the exercise was to build awareness of the AdLKC; identify the main challenges faced by stakeholders in the field of adult learning; and propose concrete measures for moving forward.

The authors note that despite recognition of official language minorities in the Constitution and in various provincial acts, the application and enforcement of fundamental rights require constant effort on the part of Francophone communities.

The authors recommend that the AdLKC help Francophone groups by planning and coordinating meetings, forums and other events in the adult-learning sectors; offering support in liaising and meeting with government, post-secondary institutions and other relevant stakeholders to provide input on increasing the accessibility of services; and providing various opportunities to share expertise, experience and knowledge with others.

The AdLKC was established in 2005 as an initiative of the Canadian Council on Learning.

Funders:

• Canadian Council on Learning (CCL)

Added: 2010-04-20

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