Languages for adults: overcoming the barriers
(Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI), April
2007)
The ALI's 2007 survey
report identifies seven barriers that are impeding the successful
implementation of the National Languages Strategy in the adult
learning and skills sector:
- the absence of local
languages strategies.
- insufficient co-operation
between providers.
- insufficient specialist
curriculum leadership and management.
- a national shortage of
qualified language tutors.
- accreditation.
- insufficient guidance for
adult language learners.
- insufficient opportunities
for language learning in vocational and work-based programmes.
The report also makes recommendations as to how these
barriers might be overcome:
- ensure that languages
tutors for adult learners have access to suitable qualifications
and training, and that national, regional and local databases of
provision at each level are created.
- ensure that tutors of
languages for adult learners have access to suitable qualifications
and training.
- ensure that there is a
strategic plan of adult language learning provision across their
regions that provides for language diversity and progression
routes, and is transparent to learners.
- ensure that provision is
tailored to meet the varied needs of their adult learners;
- as well as examining good
practice where it exists.