Realizing a Social Practices Approach in Literacy Learning: Engaging with the Everyday Lives of Adults with Learning Difficulties

This paper presents findings from an action research project funded by the Scottish Government through Learning Connections (March 2006 to April 2007) to develop and explore the potential for enhancing literacies learning for adults with learning difficulties by engaging with their systems of care and/or support. The paper explores the ways in which carers and support workers were enabled to work effectively with adult literacy tutors to establish learning opportunities in the everyday lives of people with learning difficulties. The paper argues that a greater understanding of the value of literacy, in particular as a means to achieving independence and well-being is needed. While the project involved intensive work between tutors and carers, the paper asserts that closer collaborative working between providers of literacy programs and those providing care and support is a worthwhile objective and one that could be realized by a moderate amount of awareness raising, training, and collaboration.