Vocational Graduate Certificate in Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice
This qualification reflects the roles of individuals who apply substantial specialised skills and knowledge in the field of adult language, literacy and numeracy practice. In these roles they make significant high level judgements to analyse, plan, deliver and evaluate specialised teaching functions within complex contexts.
This qualification uses the term ‘adult literacy and numeracy’ to mean the skills required to understand and use various forms of print and digital text in day-to-day activities at home, at work and in the community (Literacy Skills for the Knowledge Society, OECD, 2001).
The qualification uses the term ‘language’ to talk about speaking, listening, reading, writing and visual communication skills. In its broadest sense, language involves the words, verbal structures and gestures we use to convey meaning. We are also talking about using words and grammatical structures and other meaning support systems (e.g. gestures when speaking and listening, punctuation and formatting when reading and writing) to make meaning or to understand somebody else’s meaning. (What’s language, literacy and numeracy?, Taking the Lead, 2006)
People attending adult language, literacy and numeracy provision reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Australian population. They may have English as their first, second or third language, and literacy and numeracy skill levels that inhibit their ability to achieve their aspirations. This diversity of learners requires practitioners with skills and knowledge in a wide range of teaching approaches and practices; skills and knowledge that are included in this qualification.
This qualification responds to the need for all practitioners to have a set of strategies to meet learners’ language development needs. This is not language in the strict sense of language acquisition (as defined within the TESOL discipline), but rather the development of relevant and appropriate language repertoires depending on the context.
Adult language, literacy and numeracy delivery contexts include vocational education settings, workplaces, and the community. A range of training organisations (public, not-for-profit, community and private) provides adult language, literacy and numeracy skills development.
Job roles
This qualification may apply to those in roles with responsibility for adult literacy and numeracy delivery and assessment. Job roles and titles vary across different organisational contexts. Possible job titles and roles relevant to this qualification include:
practitioner, Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) program
teacher, Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program (LLNP)
concurrent assistance teacher, training organisation
adult literacy and numeracy teacher, training organisation
trainer and assessor, training organisation
program coordinator, adult community education organisation
educational manager, training organisation.
TAE70111 Vocational Graduate Certificate in Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice may not meet the requirements for TESOL teaching. It is advisable to check with relevant jurisdictions and in the human resource statements in accredited course documentation.