Readiness for lifelong learning requires that adults be agentic learners, equipped to enact pro-active strategies in the pursuit of self-directed learning goals, self-managing their learning process and using, evaluating and modifying learning strategies.

A review of the research finds that:

1. lower-skilled adults, while motivated to succeed, enact little agentic learning behaviours
2. foundation level tertiary organisations do not intentionally develop learner agency
3. traditional NZ literacy and numeracy lessons may cultivate non-agentic behaviours.

Therefore, there is great potential to improve the outcomes of current LN provision, increase learner uptake and use of existing resources, and to equip adults to engage in ongoing life-long learning.

This project aims to explore learner agency in foundation-level education and develop a culturally compatible PLD package designed to increase learner agency through three impact areas:

1. the development of learner skills, knowledge and beliefs
2. the structure and design of organisational support
3. the development of tutor knowledge, skills and use of resources.

Project goals

1. Update NZ literacy and numeracy practice so that it effectively prepares learners for lifelong learning.
2. Identify ways in which the NZ LN community can more effectively develop learner agency.
3. Develop a professional development package to be either integrated into 2020 literacy and numeracy provision and/or as a standalone package.

Project deliverables

• Literature review and rationale
• Methodology for future development
• Professional development package suitable for LN practitioners/Organisations delivering LN, workplace literacy and numeracy providers
• A draft curriculum outline
• A draft resource package
• A scope for advancing the project into 2020

Learner agency thinkpiece

Preparing adults to be lifelong learners is a key educational priority in many countries as they attempt to meet the demands of radically changing national and global economic, technological, and health environments. Readiness for lifelong learning requires adults to be agentic learners, equipped to enact proactive strategies in the pursuit of self-directed learning goals, self-managing their learning process and using, evaluating and modifying learning strategies.

This thinkpiece explores integrating learner agency with language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) provision in order to equip the tertiary sector, organisations, practitioners and learners, for the challenges on the road ahead.

It identifies and prioritises key aspects of learner agency that can help:

• improve the outcomes of current LLN provision
• increase learner uptake and use of existing resources
• equip adults with the skills needed to engage in ongoing lifelong learning.

Read the full report

For more information contact the project lead: Damon Whitten