Contents

Features

Educational resilience: the power to make a difference
by Elly Robinson
Being a role model was part of a teacher's modus operandi 30 years ago. Today, it is again understood that teachers can influence outcomes by helping students build educational resilience-the ability to bounce back from adversity.

Embedded literacy: a political process with educational character
by Elsa Auerbach
Literacy is no longer-if it ever was-a source of power and independence. In the 'knowledge society', it is a means for analysis and information and is best applied to a social purpose.

Effective strategies for low-level literacy learners
by Natalie Naurocki
An Australia-wide research project discovers a variety of approaches and strategies used by low-level literacy teachers, and it is important that these lessons are shared.

15 up: charting the influence of literacy and numeracy achievement on later life
by Sheldon Rothman
Early achievements in literacy and numeracy have a positive influence on later outcomes in further education, training and employment.

Regulars

Practical Matters
Art has a range of uses as a teaching medium in adult education. Ruth Woods shares her ideas for teaching ESL and literacy classes.
Open Forum
Jim Thompson, ACAL president, discusses how to get adult literacy back on the agenda. He also talks about the need to develop collaborative partnerships with businesses, community groups and local governments.
Foreign Correspondence
Close to half of South Africa's adults are functionally illiterate. This stark fact sits on your shoulder as you read Andrew Miller's account of South African literacy's journey through apartheid and beyond.
Policy Update
Australia needs to work closely with its states and territories, according to a project by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Training. Reviewed here by Rosa McKenna and Lynne Fitzpatrick, the project examines international policies and trends, and has a close look at the implications for Australia.
Beside the Whiteboard
Michael Chalk-former VALBEC and Fine Print committee member, literacy and ESL teacher, exponent of flexible and online learning, talks to Sarah Deasey about ... just about everything!