Rationale for HSDE Level One Literacy Curriculum
This HDSE Level One Literacy Curriculum has been created in response to the needs of a functionally literate adult learner who can keep up with the dynamism of the immediate environment and globally through the possession of lifelong learning skills. According to UNESCO (2004), literacy is ‘the ability to ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute using printed and other materials associated with varying contexts’. This defines the essential outcome for adult learners at the HDSE Level One especially with the inclusion of methods and themes that will foster social change starting with the individual, and then with their impact in their family life, community, workplace and institution of higher education.
In keeping with the HDSE Performance Standards, by the end of their exposure to this curriculum, adult learners should ultimately:
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Make significant progress towards fulfilling their goals and their potential;
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Be prepared for effective participation in the workplace and in the community;
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Progress to relevant further or higher education, training or employment;
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Reach appropriate levels in key skills consistent with their main purpose of study or training; and
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Develop the skills of critical evaluation, research and analysis.
One concern about the Literacy Curriculum being used now is that used is that its organization and delivery is pedagogical which does not satisfy the international framework of adult learning or andragogy. Andragogy is a teaching concept developed by Malcolm Knowles (1973) which is adult learner-centered. The five assumptions of the concept are the bases of the development of this curriculum:
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Adult learners’ self-concept needs must be catered to in that they have transitioned from the dependent child to an independent adult who should be self- directed in their education;
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Adult learners have a wealth of experience and learn experientially;
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Adult learners exhibit readiness to learn because they are pursuing knowledge for a reason;
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Adult learners’ orientation to learning is problem-solving;
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Motivation to learn is more intrinsic at this level of education (Knowles, 1984).
Another concern with the Curriculum in use now is that a few topics are outdated, others need to be updated and the use of a high technology by the facilitator and learners should be incorporated in lessons in order to make the adult learner more competitive globally in the 21st century.
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Self Analysis:
Understanding the Platform
Getting Started
Introduction to the platform
Beginner's Computer Class
For people who have never used a computer, or are not yet comfortable working on one.
The purpose of this class will be to provide the citizens of the community with a hands-on training session providing them with the basic skills necessary to operate in today’s world.
Language & Communication
The fundamental principles in language skills are listening, talking, reading and writing, these provide the ability for effective communication. The language growth is incremental and leaners' ability to communication proficiently will depend on opportunities to explore and experiment with language in a variety of contexts. This is the primary purpose of this course.