Quick Reads transform reading habits Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 18:39

Adult learners reading Quick Reads

Quick Reads, the short, fast-paced books for adults, are transforming the UK's reading habits by improving the literacy levels of adults and their attitudes to books and learning, according to research published by NIACE for World Book Day.

From evaluation data of nearly 400 literacy tutors, the research shows that nearly all of them (97%) believe Quick Reads have been useful in helping their learners to progress.

The survey from NIACE - published today for World Book Day, the fifth Anniversary of Quick Reads, to coincide with the publication of ten new Quick Reads - of adult literacy tutors who, between them, represent at least 32,000 learners, also found that:

  • 90% of learning providers have seen changes in learners' attitudes towards reading since using Quick Reads, with 86% reporting an increase in learners' confidence;
  • 76% of learning providers said that Quick Reads improved their learners' communication skills and 53% stated that learners' written skills had improved;
  • 62% of learning providers estimated that at least half of their learners go on to read other Quick Read books and 48% estimated that half or more of their learners progress to read other books;
  • 61% of learning providers told us that their learners had progressed into further learning; and
  • 40% of learning providers believed that at least half of their learners have gone on to enrol on other learning courses. 

Further NIACE research from over 100 Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) - representing at least 21,750 employees across the country - who provide access in workplaces to Quick Reads (and other learning) has found that:

  • 82% of ULRs reported that their colleagues have felt encouraged to read in their free time (at work) since using Quick Reads;
  • 65% of ULRs agreed that staff are now reading for pleasure as a result of Quick Reads and 63% said staff are now reading different books;
  • around half (49%) of ULRs reported that staff are more likely to engage in learning at work, reporting that 62% of staff are now engaged in literacy, numeracy and English language learning and more than half (52%) of staff are now engaged in both on-the-job learning and off-the-job training;
  • 41% of ULRs have seen an improvement in employees' communication skills;
  • 68% of ULRs had observed positive changes in staff attitude and behaviour; and
  • in 52% of workplaces, Quick Reads has improved workplace morale.

Tutors commenting on Quick Reads as part of this research, said:

  • "Several of my learners had never read a book before in their lives. They are now regular readers. This is a direct result of using the Quick Reads series. It has given them the confidence to continue their English studies and achieve both qualifications and improved literacy skills."
  • "They are more willing to encourage their children's reading and some have even signed up at the library as a family."
  • "I now use Quick Reads in every lesson. The series has proved to be an invaluable tool for both English learners and Creative Writing students. I discover so many different things every time I use them. They are the most popular books I have ever used. I am delighted to have the possibility to have them available. Well done to Quick Reads!"
  • "As confidence has risen so have learners' attitudes towards education within the family. There is more of an interest in children's learning and more games are played with the family e.g. Scrabble."
  • "One learner would never go for promotion because she couldn't complete the forms. After using Quick Reads she developed her reporting writing skills and has now achieved promotion."

    They appear to be just everyday short stories, but Quick Reads are not only transforming the reading habits of the UK, but the lives of learners, parents, families, workers, in fact the whole of society is seeing very obvious benefits.

    Carol Taylor, an Operational Director at NIACE

Carol Taylor, an Operational Director at NIACE, said:

"Once again our research has shown the phenomenal impact Quick Reads are having. No one could have imagined five years ago just how essential these books have become to quality literacy learning. They appear to be just everyday short stories, but Quick Reads are not only transforming the reading habits of the UK, but the lives of learners, parents, families, workers, in fact the whole of society is seeing very obvious benefits. Who knows what another five years of Quick Reads might achieve?"

Kathy Gale, Project Director, Quick Reads, said:

"There has never been a more important time for people in the UK and Ireland to improve their skills, to secure their own futures in troubled times and because a more skilled population supports recovery from recession. Quick Reads has provided an opportunity for people to increase their literacy, their written and communication skills, and their confidence and self-esteem. It has encouraged increased learning, and changes in attitude, behaviour and morale at work. We hope that Quick Reads is making a significant difference to patterns of literacy in the UK and Ireland and contributing towards economic growth. Quick Reads are making a significant difference to patterns of literacy in the UK and Ireland."

Quick Reads was launched on World Book Day in March 2006, with the aim of reaching out to the millions of adults in the UK with reading difficulties and the one third of the British population who never pick up a book. They are specially written by bestselling authors and well-known people for both emergent readers and for readers wanting a short, fast-paced read.

The ten new Quick Reads titles published today are:

 

Extra Links

Quick Reads changes lives: Play video - [WMV format - 7 MB]

In this film we hear from learners in Leeds, Redbridge and Tameside, who talk about their early struggles with reading as children, their courage in returning to learning as adults and how reading Quick Reads has given them a new love in life – books.

More!

Listen to a podcast with Quick Reads author Cathy Kelly - [mp3]

More!

Listen to a podcast with Quick Reads author Bernadine Evaristo - [mp3]

More!

Listen to a podcast with Quick Reads author Alvin Hall - [mp3]

More!
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