Research into English and maths provision in England Friday, July 5, 2013 - 09:50

NIACE is looking for adult learning providers in England who can organise groups of learners to complete a set of new test questions, as part of a project to understand the effectiveness of different approaches to improving adults' English and maths skills.

The main research project has two strands:

1. A randomised control trial (RCT) to determine the effectiveness of different delivery models.
2. A longitudinal study to examine skills gain, skills maintenance or skills loss over time, and the impact of participation in learning.

Underpinning this research will be a set of new questions designed to measure small gains in English and maths, which need testing. The tests will take up to one hour and they will be in line with learners’ level and subject. Taking part is anonymous and confidential.

Sue Southwood, Programme Manager at NIACE, said:

"We would like to involve as many learners as possible to ensure we get the assessment tools right. Providers who take part will also have the opportunity to register their interest in participating in the RCT from this September."

Providers who can help over the summer can email EandMresearch@niace.org.uk for more information.

The research project has been commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and is being led by TNS-BMRB in close partnership with AlphaPlus, NIESR and NIACE.