Education Commons^™

Review Of The Piaac Numeracy Assessment Framework: Final Report, Dave Tout, Diana Coben, Vince Geiger, Lynda Ginsburg, Kees Hoogland, Terry Maguire, Sue Thomson, Ross Turner

David (Dave) Tout

The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) is an international assessment of the proficiency of adults (aged 16-65 years) in key information processing skills (reading, numeracy and Problem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments). The PIAAC Survey of Adult Skills has revealed that a considerable number of adults in OECD countries possess only limited literacy and numeracy skills. The OECD is currently reviewing the content of the frameworks and cognitive assessment instruments for the 2nd cycle of PIAAC ready for delivery in 2021-22. This report is the result of a review of the numeracy construct and assessment in PIAAC. …

What International Surveys Tell Us About Australians' Mathematical Foundations, Dave Tout, James Spithill

David (Dave) Tout

This presentation will look at some key messages from the Australian results of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), both released at the end of 2013. PISA assessed the mathematical literacy of 15 year-olds around Australia, whilst PIAAC assessed the numeracy proficiency of adults aged 15–74. What do the two surveys assess and are they telling a similar story? How solid are Australia’s mathematical foundations and what do they say about teaching and learning? How do Australia’s results compare internationally with those leading the field? What are some …

Perspectives On Numeracy: Reflections From International Assessments, Dave Tout, Iddo Gal

David (Dave) Tout

This paper examines perspectives regarding the mathematical skills expected of adults and school graduates, comparing ideas developed as part of two major multinational comparative assessments of skills: the Programme for International Student Assessment and the Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (also known as the OECD Survey of Adult Skills). The paper reflects on the conceptual and assessment frameworks developed for these two programmes, aiming to shed light on the commonalities and differences between the constructs of numeracy and mathematical literacy and to inform current debate about directions for developing mathematical skills in the 21st Century.

Buried Or Not? What’S Happened To Numeracy?, David Tout

David (Dave) Tout

International surveys reveal a worrying decline in adult numeracy development. Dave Tout makes the case for a renewed focus.

Session A - Quality And Equity In Vocational Education And Training (Vet), Sheldon Rothman, David Curtis, Lori Hocking, David Tout

David (Dave) Tout

Concurrent Session

Don't Subtract Numeracy, David Tout

David (Dave) Tout

The development of adults’ core skills for work and life requires attention to language and literacy, but numeracy counts as well, says Dave Tout.

Comparison Of Piaac And Pisa Frameworks For Numeracy And Mathematical Literacy, Iddo Gal, David Tout

David (Dave) Tout

This paper describes key aspects of the frameworks for the assessment of adult numeracy and mathematical literacy in PIAAC and PISA, which are OECD two flagship programs for international comparative assessment of competencies. The paper examines commonalities and differences in how the constructs of adult numeracy and mathematical literacy were assessed in PIAAC and PISA, and sketches selected challenges associated with interpretation of results from these surveys.

Lessons From International Assessments, David Tout

David (Dave) Tout

Dave Tout explores what can be learned from international assessments of adult literacy and numeracy skills.

Rethinking Assessment In Vet, Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

No abstract provided.

Some Reflections On Teaching And Learning From Numeracy And Mathematical Literacy Assessments, Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

No abstract provided.

Does It All Add Up? What’S The Story With Mathematical Literacy And Numeracy? Where To Next?, Ross Turner, Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

Australia’S Performance In Pisa And Piaac – Key Messages For Education And Training, Sue Thomson, Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

No abstract provided.

Making A Difference In Developing Countries, David Tout

David (Dave) Tout

The work of ACER in education is making the difference in educational outcomes for students across the world, particularly in developing countries.

Questioning The Standards Of Literacy And Numeracy, David Tout, Juliette Mendelovits

David (Dave) Tout

David Tout and Juliette Mendelovits examine why we receive such differing reports on the literacy and numeracy skills of young Australians.

Australian Core Skills Framework (Acsf), Philippa Mclean, Kate Perkins, David Tout, Kath Brewer, Linda Wyse

David (Dave) Tout

The Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) provides a rich, detailed picture of real life performance in the five core skills of: Learning, Reading, Writing, Oral Communication and Numeracy. These skills are essential for individuals to participate effectively in our society. They are inextricably interwoven into all parts of our lives, being directly or indirectly linked to the physical, social and economic wellbeing of individuals, workplace productivity and safety, community interaction and capacity, and ultimately to Australia’s economic and community wellbeing. The ACSF reflects contemporary use of English in Australia. The ACSF has been developed to facilitate a consistent national approach …

Lessons Learnt From International Assessments: Part 2., Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

This article discusses an often overlooked value of international assessments - they provide an insight and description of task development and complexity that teachers can refer to when creating their own classroom tasks and assessment. It focuses on the Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey and the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies.

Part 1: Lessons Learnt From International Assessments, Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

In the first of two related articles, this article attempts to explain what can be learnt from international assessments of adult literacy and numeracy skills, and why there is value and crucial and important lessons for all educators, and others, from the work underpinning these empirically based research endeavours. Whilst some criticism of the surveys is understandable and to be expected, this often blinds readers and the LLN sector from reading between and behind the lines and seeing what value can be generated, gained and learned from such investigations, data and research. The article describes the theoretical frameworks and quality …

Vocational Education And Training In Australia : Facing The Challenges Of Core Skills In Australia, Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

The Australian vocational education and training (VET) sector is responsible for education and training for work. It has a well-established national system of endorsed and accredited training and curriculum through training packages. There is a national qualifications framework which applies across the different tertiary sectors (higher and VET) through the Australian Qualifications Framework, and qualifications are transportable across states and sectors. There is industry input and co-ordination to training/training packages through industry skills councils. The qualifications undergo regular reviews and there are nationally agreed standards for training organisations. There are a variety of providers, called Registered Training Organisations (RTOs); these …

An Ant's Eye View : Some Pluses And Minuses, Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

This article provides a history of adult numeracy teaching, looking back at the rise and development if adult numeracy provision, mainly in Victoria, from the perspective of an ANT (adult numeracy teacher), beginning in the late 1970s. The author then describes what lies on the horizon, what lessons adult educators can learn, and what opportunities might lie ahead for adult numeracy in the next decade or so. The article contains an exposition on the benefits of explicitly recognising and supporting numeracy within the language, literacy and numeracy equation. The author argues that, given the Australian data from ALLS, there is …

Australian Core Skills Framework (Acsf), K Brewer, P Mclean, K Perkins, Dave Tout, L Wyse

David (Dave) Tout

The Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) describes levels of performance in the 5 core skills of: Learning; Reading; Writing; Oral Communication; and Numeracy. These skills are essential for people to participate in our society. People need to communicate effectively in many different ways, for diverse purposes, in a variety of contexts and to think critically about information and ideas. It is likely that each new role and responsibility we take on will require new or enhanced core skills. Therefore, we need a range of strategies to adapt to changing circumstances and new challenges, including strategies to help us learn. The …

Alls Survey Update : Initial Messages Regarding Numeracy, Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

In the initial analysis and results coming out from the first wave of the 2003 Adult Literacy and Lifeskills Survey (ALLS) countries, the data seem to be indicating that numeracy plays a more important role in economic returns for individuals than do prose or document literacy, and seem to confirm that men outperform women in the area of numeracy and mathematics. Some of the outcomes stemming from the results that will be of interest when the Australian results are released late in 2007 include: the overlap between respondents' abilities in literacy and numeracy was lower than expected; early school leavers …

All Is Happening With Numeracy : A New International Survey Of Adults' Numeracy And Mathematics Skill Levels., Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

An international survey of the numeracy abilities of adults was part of the Adult Literacy and Lifeskills (ALLS) survey conducted in Australia in 2006 and the start of 2007. This paper includes information on the construct behind the numeracy component of the survey, including the complexity scheme that attempts to predict the difficulty of test items, and reports on the initial data from the first wave of countries, highlighting the important role that numeracy plays in both human and social capital terms. First Australian results are due out in late 2007.

Assessment In Australia : A Balancing Act, J Hagston, Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

Changing concepts of literacy and numeracy, in addition to increased government interest and investment in literacy and numeracy skill development, pose a number of challenges for all stakeholders in relation to implementing and using assessment and reporting systems. Australia is used as a case study to illustrate how one country has approached curriculum standards and assessment schemes. Based on a description and analysis of the Australian situation and approach, this chapter then considers how adult literacy and numeracy curriculum standards, frameworks, assessment, and reporting systems can balance the competing demands and differing needs and interests of government, providers, practitioners, and …

Having Fun With Maths : Activities And Games For Developing Maths Language And Skills., Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

The games and activities in this book focus on the development of fundamental maths skills through co-operative group work and the use of hands-on materials, as well as on enjoyment and having fun in order to build the learnerʼs confidence and help overcome maths anxiety. The photocopiable activities are designed to encourage students to work together and use and talk about mathematics and its language and share their understandings and knowledge. The activities are suitable for a wide range of mathematics and numeracy students, especially for the middle years, year 11 students studying practical mathematics subjects, and adult English language, …

Engaging Students To Make Mathematics Interesting, Fun, Intriguing, Puzzling And Personally Satisfying, Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

The author asserts that making connections with the real world is the best way to engage most students in the middle years of schooling and to potentially provide a mechanism for making mathematics interesting, fun and personally satisfying. Traditionally, in secondary school mathematics classrooms, teachers start by teaching the abstract mathematics skills and processes and then they find some possible applications afterwards. The author believes this should be the other way around.

Car Costs Ii : A Numeracy Workbook., Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

No abstract provided.

Foundation Numeracy In Context, Dave Tout, G Motteram

David (Dave) Tout

Foundation Numeracy in Context describes an approach to teaching mathematics based on applied and contextual learning principles. This means that the teaching and learning of mathematics proceeds from a contextual, task-based and investigative point of view—where the mathematics involved is developed from a modelled situation or practical task. Practical investigations and projects are principle vehicles for student learning in such an approach. This text is written for teachers working with students who have become disengaged from learning mathematics during the middle to latter years of secondary schooling, and will likely have had limited success with mathematics. The approach used will …

All Is Happening, With Numeracy Included, Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

The Adult Literacy and Lifeskills (ALL) Survey (formerly known as the International Life Skills Survey (ILSS)) is a large-scale, comparative survey that goes beyond previous international literacy studies. In addition to the literacy skills measured in the previous International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS), ALL is designed to identify and measure a broader range of skills in the adult population in each participating country. The skills to be directly measured are: prose and document literacy; numeracy; problem solving/analytical reasoning. In addition the assessment will be accompanied by a comprehensive Background Questionnaire, which will collect participant information and indirectly measure two other …

The Forthcoming Adult Literacy And Lifeskills (All) Survey, Dave Tout

David (Dave) Tout

The Adult Literacy and Lifeskills (ALL) Survey is a large scale, comparative survey that goes beyond previous international studies. The skills to be measured are prose and document literacy, numeracy, and problem solving/analytical reasoning. Two other skill domains will also be measured: teamwork, and information and communication technology (ICT) literacy.

Working Community Program: Towards Interdependence, Employability And Citizenship For Secondary School Students., Dave Tout, Dave Turner

David (Dave) Tout

No abstract provided.