The Impact of Workplace Literacy Programs: A New Model for Evaluating the Impact of Workplace Literacy Programs.

Abstract

An evaluation model for workplace literacy programs was developed and applied at two industrial plants. Development of the model included a literature review and consultation with plant managers. The model included interviews, questionnaires, Cloze tests, class observation, plant-gathered productivity indexes, and supervisor ratings. The evaluation found that literacy instruction has produced some improvement in all areas assessed. However, gains appeared to be limited to areas directly addressed in class, and there was apparently no transfer of learning into areas not covered by instruction. Hence, specific goals need to be established for workplace literacy programs that encourage motivation and indeprndence, as these are likely to spur increased engagement by workers in literacy-related activities. The study concluded that an impact assessment model that is broad-scale and rigorous, employing learner interviews, tests, questionnaires, company records, and supervisor ratings, can be performed even with limited time and resources. (KC) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ***********************************************************************