Learning and Work Institute is part of an ambitious evaluation programme to test the effectiveness of approaches to improving adult numeracy.
Multiply is the flagship government programme for improving adult numeracy. An important part of this programme is to understand ‘what works’ and to strengthen the evidence base on ways to successfully deliver adult numeracy programmes.
L&W, along with Ipsos and other partners, is supporting the government in understanding what works and produce robust evidence on ways to increase adults’ numeracy skills. This involves designing and conducting Randomised Control Trials to evaluate the effectiveness of existing and new interventions to improving adult numeracy.
The interventions being tested include innovative ways to engage with adults with low numeracy skills, as well as improving learning skills and course attendance in different settings.
This project will inform the government and local partners’ delivery of adult numeracy skills programmes. It will help to ensure that everyone is well equipped to face the challenges of a changing economy.
Why is this programme important?
England is not performing well when it comes to maths and numeracy skills, with one in four adults having low numeracy skills according to the OECD.
There are many benefits to adults improving their basic numeracy skills, including:
- Improved employment outcomes
- Better quality of work
- Higher earnings
- Improved personal and social outcomes.
Despite these benefits, adult participation in learning decreased by 62 per cent between 2012 and 2020.
This project will inform policy and practice on the delivery of adult numeracy skills programmes.