ERIC Number: ED384756
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1995-Jul
Pages: 196
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Workplace Literacy--Is There a Role for Vocational Institutions?
Lewis, Theodore; And Others
A project examined five case studies of workplace literacy initiatives. The research sought to understand better what happens within workplace literacy programs--what are their premises and claims, their curricular stances, and their approach to teaching and learning--with the intent of resolving the basic question of whether vocational institutions can claim uniqueness or a comparative advantage over other providers in the workplace literacy enterprise. Case studies were conducted at the following sites: (1) a hospital service workers' project; (2) a high tech manufacturing company's basic skills project; (3) basic skills program for nonsalaried bank workers; (4) English as a second language for immigrant service workers in a hotel; and (5) a nontraditional vocational institution focused on workplace literacy. Based on interviews, document examination, on-site observation, and a review of literature, the research supported hypotheses that vocational institutions would have a comparative advantage in workplace literacy programs because of the following: (1) they have a long tradition of collaborating with industry to derive workplace-based curricula; (2) they have a history of catering to diverse and marginalized populations among whom could be found enclaves of illiteracy; (3) they provide both initial and upgraded training geared to lifelong learning; and (4) they offer basic skills in the functional context of technical skills. (The report includes 111 references and 3 appendices: overview of the hospital reading on-the-job course, practicing menu reading, and 4 tables.) (KC)
Descriptors: Adult Basic Education, Adult Literacy, Case Studies, Literacy Education, On the Job Training, Program Effectiveness, School Business Relationship, School Role, Vocational Education, Vocational Schools, Workplace Literacy
National Center for Research in Vocational Education, Materials Distribution Service, 46 Horrabin Hall, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455 (order no. MDS-880: $10.50).
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Vocational and Adult Education (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: National Center for Research in Vocational Education, Berkeley, CA.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A