VisuaLearning Project Presentation by Gemma Lynch National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), Ireland 24 th February 2006

Contents of presentation Information on NALA Definition of literacy used in Ireland Accreditation of adult basic education in Ireland Range of literacy provision in adult basic education Ireland Visual learning in adult basic education in Ireland

Information on NALA Membership organisation Non-government organisation (NGO) National co-ordination, training and policy development Established in 1980 campaigns for recognition of and response to adult literacy problem in Ireland

NALA’s achievements include Third level qualifications for adult literacy practitioners – certificate, diploma, degree, masters Inclusion of key proposals in White Paper on Adult Education (2000) Development of a quality framework, including an assessment framework for the adult literacy service Major basic education distance learning project on TV and Radio Bringing Irish literacy practice onto the international stage

Structure of NALA Executive committee elected at Annual General Meeting (AGM) Ensure aims of the Agency are put into practice Currently employ 19 staff Registered company with limited and charitable status

Funding Grant from Department of Education and Science – enables the Agency to staff national and regional offices Department of Social and Family Affairs – grant towards staffing and publicity costs Department of Health and Children and FAS (national training body) also fund specific work

NALA’s mission statement Ensure all adults have access to a range of high quality learning opportunities

Definition of literacy Literacy involves listening, speaking, reading, writing, numeracy and using everyday technology to communicate and handle information. It includes more than the technical skills of communication: it also has personal, social and economic dimensions. Literacy increases the opportunity for individuals and communities to reflect on their situation, explore new possibilities and initiate constructive change.

Accreditation National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) New qualifications framework – 10 levels – basic literacy to PhD Two new levels – 1 and 2 – reflect basic literacy skills development Levels 1-3 offer accreditation for adult literacy learners Levels 6 & 7 – relate to accreditation for adult literacy tutors mentioned earlier under NALA’s achievements

Range of provision VEC – largest provider Training and work experience programmes Organisations that work with people with disabilities Workplace Basic Education (WBE) English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Family Literacy Prisons and post-release projects Distance Education Libraries Community Development Projects

Range of provision (continued) Overall responsibility for adult basic education lies with the Government Department of Education and Science and Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment White Paper 2000 National Adult Literacy and Numeracy Implementation Plan 2005

Visual Learning in Ireland Visual learning is integral part of literacy provision – see definition of literacy To date NALA has not mapped the extent of visual literacy in practice Evidence of visual tools in use – see new levels in National Qualifications Framework – see handouts

NALA promotes visual learning in its work through Plain English – writing and design tips Family Literacy – story sacks Numeracy – numeracy story sacks ESOL materials – NALA/Trocaire pack Distance Education – see

Storey Sacks

Games Welcome to the games section. Listed here are a few games that can be played instantly online. Please choose a game category or click the button below to view a tour of the games. © NALA 2006 Homeme Back Turn Speech Onrn Speech On Launch Game Tour Cross Word ross Word Word Search ord Search Anagram nagram Clock lock Sort Words ort Words Balloon Surprise alloon Surprise