Factors that Facilitate Adult Learner Success in the NWT starts with a review of earlier findings:
…we understand that:
- Non-academic outcomes are qualitative, intangible, subjective, personal, and extensive.
- Learners gain much more from ALBE programs than academic outcomes suggest.
- Learners also experience many positive personal and social non-academic outcomes such as: When we value non-academic outcomes we can better understand the full extent of learners’ achievements, especially among learners who face multiple barriers. Learners gain hope and motivation as we understand and value non-academic outcomes.
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- Improved self-confidence.
- Increased ability to set and achieve goals.
- Stronger interpersonal relationships.
- New communication skills.
- Better practical skills for everyday life.
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- Oral narrative tools are an effective way to assess non-academic outcomes (from page 5 of the report).
The report goes on to discuss six factors that facilitate adult learner success.
There’s lots here for ABE, Adult Literacy, pre-GED and GED programs outside the Northwest Territories. Great August reading!
Get the report here from the Northwest Territories Literacy Council
Related articles
- Hardwired for Hope (Battell,et al)
- 800% Improvement (Nonesuch)
- Adult learners take the lead in shaping their teaching and curriculum (walesonline.co.uk)
Working in Adult Literacy 
Thank you for linking this!
I’ve participated in some frustrating high-stakes discussions about what constitutes “success” for learners. Sometimes funders don’t think programs should continue if not enough participants are “successful”…but we practitioners don’t always agree with their definition of “success.”
I love that this report acknowledges it isn’t just about “moving up to the next level” or “getting your high school diploma” or “moving on to college/university courses.”
With all the emphasis on test scores here in the US, we often fail to acknowledge the other measures of success for students of any age.
Huge emphasis on test scores and measurable academic outcomes here, too–which is why this report is so refreshing.