National Adult Literacy Database

Summary

Authors: Célinie Russell

The purpose of this study was to discover strategies for encouraging adult francophones with poor literacy skills to articulate a need for literacy training and strategies that education centres can use to answer that need adequately. A literature review identified several obstacles to participating in adult education programs: a lack of interest in adult education, a very low value placed on education, and a belief that the expected payback from adult education does not justify the effort it requires. A literature search identified the one-stop access approach and integrated training programs as two possible ways of overcoming obstacles to participation in adult education and providing the types of training that are in greatest demand.

Funders:

• Ontario Ministry of Education and Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Added: 2009-06-10

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• Éveiller le lion qui dort : Réflexions sur le recrutement en formation des adultes

Authors: Institut de coopération pour l'éducation des adultes (ICÉA), Fédération canadienne pour l'alphabétisation

Conferences and meetings in preparation for the Sixth International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VI) are taking place all around the world. In October 2008, in preparation for CONFINTEA VI, residents of Quebec and Francophone Canada met at the Francophone Consultative Forum that was organized jointly by the Fédération canadienne pour l’alphabétisation en français (FCAF) and the Institut de coopération pour l’éducation des adultes (ICÉA). Participants came from all levels of the public education system, as well as from literacy organizations, community education organizations, cultural organizations, community action groups, labour unions, research institutions, and various government departments, ministries and agencies.

During the Forum, participants identified a consensus within Quebec and French-speaking Canada regarding the challenges and priorities for adult education and continuing education. The present declaration on the "Right to Learn for Adults" was adopted unanimously by the Forum participants.

Added: 2009-01-12

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See also:

• Déclaration du Forum francophone consultatif ICÉA-FCAF sur le droit d'apprendre pour les adultes

An Exploration of Content and Style

Authors: Kate Nonesuch

In this literature review, the author outlines the relationship of family math and family literacy, explores the importance of play in developing early skills, and traces the mathematical development of early childhood. She reviews several large and small scale family math programs, and discusses common findings as to what makes these programs successful. Finally, she notes some of the homework advice available to parents, in the context of home-school relationships. Except where noted, the examples reflect the experiences of the author.

Added: 2009-04-28

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Lessons in Learning – September 26, 2006

Series: Lessons in Learning

Authors: Canadian Council on Learning (CCL)

While enrolment patterns can vary widely both within and between provinces, the fact is that there are simply not as many school-age children in Canada as there were just a few years ago. In particular, the last of the large cohort of children born to the baby boomers between 1980 and 1994 have graduated from the kindergarten to Grade 12 system, and the children taking their places are part of a much smaller cohort.

That decline in enrolment presents serious challenges for funding, program delivery, and staffing. At the same time, the authors of this paper note, declining enrolments also present opportunities.

Class sizes naturally grow smaller when enrolment declines. As long as schools receive funding to cover their increased per-student costs, declining enrolments can provide an opportunity to move toward smaller class sizes.

Lower enrolment numbers may also alleviate some of the pressure of the anticipated teacher shortages when large numbers of teachers from the baby boom generation start moving into retirement.

As well, declining enrolments offer opportunities for innovation. The authors point to efforts in some areas to attract international students, who pay fees that can help alleviate the financial pressure of declining enrolment.

They also make note of efforts in Newfoundland and Labrador, where distance learning allows students in every corner of the province to share virtual classrooms and take courses that their small schools would not be able to offer individually.

Added: 2013-02-13

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See also:

• Les tendances de l'effectif scolaire au Canada