Learners' perspectives on progress
This project explored learners' experiences and understanding of progress and sought to define
and articulate this knowledge. The research showed the importance of understanding and
valuing the perspectives learners have of their progress. We discovered numerous nonacademic
outcomes critical to learners' progress that they associated with adult literacy
programs. Learners realized very well what literacy can do for them and value the many nonacademic
outcomes they experience in various facets of their lives.
The learners' comments also provided insight into the richness and complexity of the learning
outcomes and of the interactions between these outcomes, their program environment, the
learning process and non-academic learning outcomes they achieved.
Key Points
- Independence, further education/training and employment related goals are often
pursued simultaneously.
- Although the majority of learners reported that estimating how long it will take to
reach a goal was difficult, they were easily able to articulate the pace of learning they
required to be successful.
- The learning environment has a powerful influence on learning, motivation and
retention of learners. A safe, comfortable and non-judgemental environment where
they could learn from and support each other was needed and highly valued.
- Learners described their progress by referring to the real life activities they could now
do in a wide variety of life contexts (everyday practices, leisure practices, work
practices, community practices and educational practices).
- Learners described a wide range of non-academic indicators of progress which they
associated with their participation in adult literacy programs. These
indicators appear to be both a consequence of learning and necessary for learning
to happen. The
first three were identified by almost all learners and seemed central to their perspective
on progress:
- Self-confidence
- Finding voice
- Opening up to learning
- Independence
- Building relationships; building community
- Wellness
- Taking risks / new challenges
- Public disclosure and asking for help
- Listening to enhance understanding
- Cultural awareness and tolerance
- Conflict resolution