Understanding the needs of adult literacy, language and numeracy learners with very low skills : insights from the research

Abstract

This paper reviews recent research into very low literacy and numeracy to identify the characteristics and learning needs of those with very low levels of literacy and numeracy. Greater insight into the skills and needs of very low level learners should help shape policy and programme development. There are important economic and social reasons for considering the extent and nature of very low levels of literacy and numeracy. UK longitudinal research has highlighted the strong relationship between very low literacy and numeracy and other negative outcomes in adult life, including: lack of qualifications, limited labour market experiences and prospects, inadequate material and financial circumstances, poor health prospects and lack of social and political participation.