This comprehensive review of the international research literature looks at the research evidence on the effective teaching of literacy, numeracy and second language skills to adults. It contains an extensive discussion of the literature and full references. The purpose of this literature review is to provide a critical evaluation of the available research evidence about effective practices in literacy, numeracy and language (LNL) teaching and programme provision in order to inform policy development within the broader arena of foundation learning. The following are appended: (1) Professor John Hattie's Analysis of Studies in Torgerson, et al. (2004); (2) List of Databases and Web-Pages Searched; and (3) Descriptors Used in Literature Research. (Contains 3 tables and 107 footnotes.) [Prepared for the Tertiary Education Learning Outcomes Policy Group, Ministry of Education by Auckland UniServices Limited.]