For most of this program, you will be working on issues arising from your training package. However there are some key questions about the role of literacy/numeracy within vocational training that need to be considered first:

One of the key assumptions of this program is that there is a range of strategies which you can adopt within your own teaching to assist students with literacy/numeracy needs.

On other occasions you may work in partnership with literacy experts to support the students. And sometimes you may need to refer students to specialist support - but only after ensuring that your own delivery strategies are inclusive and supportive.

The final two sections in this program offer a variety of practical suggestions for integrating literacy/numeracy support with vocational training.

What are your views about literacy/numeracy in the training environment?

To start your thinking, click the link opposite and complete the questionnaire. This asks you to examine some of your beliefs about key literacy questions.

Click on the link opposite for a set of extracts from Better Training: Addressing English Language, Literacy and Numeracy in Vocational Education and Training (ANTA 1997).

Compare the information in the extracts with your responses on the Literacy/numeracy questionnaire.

Then consider:

• How close a match is there between the ideas in the extracts and your team's strategies for supporting students' literacy/numeracy needs?
• What changes would you consider as a result of these readings?