Revisiting literacy and employment continued...
| “Each
of these stakeholders must critically examine the assumptions underlying
literacy
programs. In particular, each needs to
question the strong employment focus of
literacy programs in order to avoid creating
unrealistic expectations and the frustration
and disappointment that follow
those expectations.” Pat Campbell |
Assumptions about the relationship between literacy and economic development which underlie many literacy programs were not supported by the findings. The results of this study have implications for funding bodies, literacy program providers, and participants alike. Each of these stakeholders must critically examine the assumptions underlying literacy programs. In particular, each needs to question the strong employment focus of literacy programs in order to avoid creating unrealistic expectations and the frustration and disappointment that follow those expectations.
To learn more about this study, visit the Directory of Canadian Adult Literacy Research at: http://www.nald.ca/crd/
Malicky, G. V. & Norman, C.A. (1994). Participation in adult literacy programs and employment. Journal of Reading, 38 (2), 122-127.
Dr. Pat Campbell is a teacher, author and research from Alberta.
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| “...most
of my time is spent with
issues... rarely is there an opportunity
to converse with practitioners or
engage in professional development
on this level. I felt like I had won the
lottery!” - Brenda Wright |
Reflections of a Novice Researcher by Brenda Wright
Last year I was chosen to be part of a research project with Maurice Taylor, Learning Partnerships, University of Ottawa as Project Director. I was one of five potential field research candidates from across the country. The project required the use of ethnographic research methods while documenting the literacy practices of Level 1 and Level 2 learners, in our communities.
As an Executive Director of a community based literacy organization, the Saint John Learning Exchange, most of my time is spent dealing with issues, fundraising or writing funding proposals and ensuring the mission and philosophy are adhered to in our daily operations. Rarely is there an opportunity to converse with practitioners or engage in professional development on this level. I felt like I had won the lottery!
The project
required the team of practitioners to travel to Ottawa for a weekend
to engage in learning new skills with
Maurice Taylor at the University of Ottawa.
It was a most memorable experience.
As a team we were a cross section
of Canadian culture and literacy initiatives.
My respected colleagues were;
Jane Boulton from Smithers, British Columbia,
who is doing family literacy work
with aboriginal families, Andrea Pheasey
from Edmonton, Alberta, who facilitates community based literacy programs at
the Learning Centre, Angela Davis from
Ottawa, Ontario, who runs a literacy program
at the Ottawa Carleton Catholic
School Board and Judy Purcell who carries
out skill development and workplace
learning programs in Lunenburg, Nova
Scotia.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed
listening and learning from this
group of dedicated professionals. We
met as a group, bonded as a team and left feeling well supported
as learning partners
in this initiative.
Maurice Taylor provided us with a comfortable, non-threatening venue (physically, emotionally and intellectually) to facilitate the information and techniques required to ensure a successful project. As with most new adventures, I felt that I was in over my head, however on the other hand I loved every minute of it.