Lesson of IALS

Literacy Matters

It matters in the workplace.

It matters in the classroom.
  • Findings from the 1997 IALS report titled “Literacy Skills for the Knowledge Society”:
    • Knowledge societies will dominate the twenty first century.
    • Jobs in knowledge societies require high levels of literacy skill for which demands are expected to increase.
    • Level 3 is the minimum level of literacy required for life and work.
    • Colleges and training institutions need to address all three forms of literacy.

 

“Literacy” or “Workplace
Essential Skills”

  • The term "literacy" is stigmatized with negative images.
  • We use the term "workplace essential skills" which better depicts what these skills represent.
  • The term “literacy” evokes a series of images and connotations. We see a workplace literacy program as teaching individuals to read and write.
  • It is viewed as remedial rather than as an enhancement of existing skills or a development of new skills that reflect a changing work environment.

What Are Essential Skills?

  • Essential skills are enabling skills that
    –help people perform the tasks required by their occupation and other activitiesof daily life.
    –provide people with a foundation to learn other skills.
    –enhance people’s ability to adapt to workplace change.
  • this is the definition HRDC uses and the one we will use.
  • Essential Skills are not technical skills; they are the skills people use to carry out a wide variety of everyday life and occupational tasks. For example, writing skills are required in many occupations. But, the complexity and frequency of writing varies. Some workers fill out simple forms every day, while others write daily or monthly reports.
  • Workers must have Essential Skills to do their work. For example, repair persons have to read and understand written work orders to do repairs.
  • Workers who have Essential Skills at the levels required for their desired occupations have enhanced employability. However, other factors such as honesty, persistence and a positive attitude to change also enhance employability.