Learning in context

Developing any one specific competency will almost always be most effectively achieved in the context of learning other generic or specialised competencies and in the context of real-life situations.

Adult learners develop their language, literacy and numeracy most effectively in contexts that have meaning and purpose, for example, when they need specific skills or knowledge in order to be able to use new technology in their workplace, interact with their child’s teacher, or get their driver’s licence. That is, adults learn best when they are meeting the demands of authentic tasks associated with their roles as workers, learners and family and community members.

The goal of the learning progressions is to support the building of adult learners’ fluency and independence as they apply their literacy and numeracy knowledge and skills in real-life situations, including education settings and workplace training courses.