Adult learning through fire and emergency service organisations in small and remote Australian towns
Authors:
Christine Hayes, Barry Golding, Jack Harvey
Publication date:
29 June 2004
Publication type:
Research report
Themes:
Students and individuals > Learner groups > Adult learners
Teaching and learning > Literacy/numeracy > General
ISBN:
1 920895 79 5 print; 1 920895 80 9 web
Communication and other literacy skills are vital to public safety organisations. This report investigates the impact literacy levels may have on the ability of volunteers to meet demands for more formal training and assessment. The role of these organisations to develop the skills of people in rural and remote communities is also considered. The research finds public safety organisations are important sites of adult learning, particularly for men. While the introduction of more formalised training presents opportunities, such as building community capacity, challenges also exist. Strategies to overcome potential barriers include developing training and assessment that relates to local situations, adapting training and assessment materials to suit learners, and including hands-on, practical training where possible.
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