Encouraging adults to improve their maths Tuesday, March 6, 2012 - 10:50

The investment made over the past decade in Skills for Life has helped many adults gain their first literacy or numeracy qualifications, but the Government's 2011 Skills for Life Survey shows that around 8 million people still struggle with the basics of maths; a skill which can have a greater impact on life chances than literacy.

NIACE's seminar shared ideas and practice around maths-learning and examined how more adults can be encouraged to improve. For those attending, the seminar offered a developed confidence in teaching and enjoying maths plus ideas and resources to use with learners at entry levels.

Delegates also received a copy of The Vital Ingredients: adults learning mathematics - a newly published NIACE report commissioned by the Skills Funding Agency, which contains best practice and recommendations for innovative approaches shared by providers. The report forms part of an ongoing strategy to highlight effective maths learning and share practice to improve teaching and learning.

The seminar was hosted by Sue Southwood, NIACE Programme Manager, and delegates also heard from:

• Anthony Chalmers, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills - Skills for Life: outcomes of the Government's review
• Joan O'Hagan, NIACE Associate - Big thinking with small numbers: Developing mathematical thinking at entry levels
• Janine Weaver, Coordinator for Literacy and Numeracy, Leicester Adult Skills and Learning Service - Understanding dyscalculia and ESOL and numeracy