Identification of Language and Literacy Needs - Assignment Example

Identification of language and literacy needs Introduction The purpose of this literature is to identify the language, literacy and numeracy skills required within the training package. The information derived from this literature will give insight into the direction and content of the data collection methods used in this research project. The term Literacy means reading, writing and listening in every day’s life and in work place. The process also includes language building skills needed for use, Numeracy means understanding the skills needed to do mathematical jobs in everyday life and in work place. Strong literacy and numeracy skills help people to participate fully in the work place, develop the skills needed for technical knowledge and take further study to move forward in career and job. In short equip them to cope and meet rapidly changing workplace demands. The term ‘workplace communication’ is used interchangeably with ‘language, literacy and numeracy’. The language, literacy and numeracy teaching is assimilated into workplaces keeping in mind the various organizational cultures and norms that has to be followed by individuals pursuing various ideologies and career aspirations. The training package is sure to include managers, teachers, trainers, volunteer tutors and other practitioners. The communication skills that will be put to test will be Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, Visual Literacy and Math’s/Numeracy. Traditional approach The tradition approach was to implement a training programme by asking the trainer to come from outside the organization and implement a training program based on his or her skill. The training did not have any relevance with the skills needed for work place. Integrated Approach Context for assessment Gather information about language, literacy and numeracy activities with the aim of assisting the workers with integrated work based language, literacy and numerical activities that enable the workers to meet the current and future employment demand and needs. Required Knowledge Communications may be by: • Telephone • Computer • Written • Verbal. In any industry the communication can be divided into formal and informal that will help the work tasks. The first step is to identify the existing communication that has been put in place in the work place. It should cover the areas of internal communication and how employees communicate with top management. Is there any paper work that is done to meet the obligations to employers? The second step is to identify the nature of the communication. Is the communication on cooperative terms with equal participation on collective bargaining? The question of reading and writing messages has to be understood and the question of writing shifts and reading shifts also has to be understood more. The third step is to understand the communication process in procedure. The people in work force may have to follow verbal or written instructions or a mixture of both to undertake tasks. The question of supervision and the following of the standard procedures also have to be kept in mind. The issue of customer service with the clients has to be noted. The company or work place should be noted for giving oral and verbal presentations to consumers or clients and also the way phone enquiries are handled and how the communication with community or groups or public is shaped. The technological process in undertaking the communication has to be understood more. What are the communication processes when the people learn new skills in the work place? The question of using job training manuals when undertaking job training has to be noted down. The final step will be to identify the personal needs of the worker in lieu of career goals. Are the employees made to communicate personal matters that affect their work either in form of written communication or verbal communication? In short these steps will help to identify • The existing communication system in work place • The nature, capabilities and the limitations of the existing communication system • Use of technology in communication system and faults if any • The way records are maintained and the way emergency are handled. Learning Strategy An optional component providing information on how training programs nay be organized in workplaces and through registered training organizations to deliver competency based national qualifications. Key Features May include information on learning pathways and training for specific client groups, model training programs, and a range of training materials to support trainers and individuals. For example, learner guides, workplace coach guides and so on. Qualifications A range of national qualifications based on combination of competency units, which provides meaningful outcomes at an industry or enterprise level. Key Features Each set of unit is aligned directly against the Australian Qualifications framework (ADF). Within a training package qualifications may range from certificate 1 to advanced diploma level and will include recommend national title. Will identify new apprenticeship path way within the training package. Professional Development Programs An optional component to assist trainers, teachers, employers, trainees and others seeking to use training package. Key Features May include the information on the use of the training package and supporting resource materials or refer uses to other professional development materials. Assessment Guidelines Assessment should be contextual. Provide advice on specific industry assessment arrangements to underpin the assessment of competencies attained and form the basis for the issuing of national qualifications and statements of attainments. Assessment processes The work place literacy and numerical requirements has to be identified and understood first for developing coherent and planned training programs which are tailored to the needs of the work place and employees undergoing this training program. Key Features The employee has to describe in detail how attending the particular training program suits their and work place needs. Applicant of a document process for understanding and assessing the literacy and numerical skill of the employee. The gains made by the employee in building literacy and numerical skills should be recorded. Example of Assessment An example of training package can be a telephonic conversation etiquette that has to be followed by the people in the reception. Skills shortage Training undergone Listening Skills How to attend phone calls Speaking skills How to start a conversation How to answer politely to queries Writing skills How to jot down points Maths/ Numeracy How to use computer in retrieving data taught Building skills to bridge that gap Another Example: Here the training package has been designed in such a way as to address the reading, listening, speaking, writing and visual literacy problems. Reading Reading manuals Reading instructions Reading price lists Writing Signing delivery forms Speaking Explaining to the customers the different products. Speaking on the phone with the factory with returned goods. Listening Listening to customer feedback. Listening to colleagues about new instructions from the head office. Maths/numeracy Operating the cash machine. Checking receipts. Visual Literacy Understanding labeling on products. Example Although competent in most aspects of job, there are certain employees that make mistakes with computers or technological front. A specific training program should be developed to build knowledge of this aspect of job. Skills shortage Training undergone Maths/Numeracy Computer training relevant to work force and industry undergone. BIBLIOGRAPHY Courtenay, M and G. Mawer (1995) Integrating English language, literacy and numeracy into vocational education and training: a framework. Joyce, Helen (1992) Workplace texts in the English classroom. Sydney: NSW AMES. Kindler, Jan (1994) Working words: a user’s guide to written communication at work. Victoria: Adult Community and Further Education Board. Lander, Jo (1996) Integrating language, literacy and numeracy with workplace training: a course for trainers in Local Government. Sydney, LGSA. Lander, Jo (1996) WELL 1995 language, literacy and numeracy integration project: report to Local Government. Sydney: LGSA. More than money can say: the impact of ESL and literacy training in the Australian workforce (2 volumes). Canberra, Commonwealth of Australia, 1996. National Reporting System Workplace Communication in National Training Package, A Practical guide. Read More