Case Study Numeracy online


Kent County Council is one of the largest councils in England and employs over 45,000 people. The work to improve the numeracy skills of council staff began in Adult Learners’ Week 2007 with Test the Organisation. Staff at every level were invited to take part in events across a range of departments. At Head Office, 50 senior managers took part in an event aimed at raising awareness of what constituted a Level 2 skill in numeracy (and literacy), and to provide the chance for employees to self- assess their own skills.


The impetus to improve skills has led to an acceptance of the benefits of adult learning and signposting to further learning.


An evaluation survey of staff who undertook a short numeracy course to improve their skills found:


• 94 per cent said the course had improved their confidence to some extent; and


• 83 per cent said that taking part in the course had impacted positively on their work.


Participants took part in an online quiz using voting technology to give their answers. The technology allowed people to give answers anonymously. Feedback revealed that staff enjoyed the ‘interactive and confidential approach’ of the technology which gave them the confidence to ‘have a go’ and answer each question. Individuals could request their own scores after the event. None of the participants answered all the questions correctly and it raised awareness about the need for staff at all levels to improve their skills. The event was expanded to take in other departments and staff at all levels, including Community Wardens and Social Services staff, and incentives such as a prize draw for an iPod and a free lunch encouraged people to participate. As a follow-up to this activity, school cooks, teaching assistants and commercial services staff undertook Level 2 courses. Follow-on from the events depended very much on the enthusiasm of individual managers to take the work forward.


Staff reported a variety of motivational factors including to update knowledge for their current job role, to improve qualifications or to progress in their career. Additional reported benefits included helping children with homework and providing a springboard to further study.


One of the biggest drivers for staff to improve their numeracy skills was a review of administrative staff, where a requirement for Level 2 literacy and numeracy skills was introduced. The impetus to improve skills has led to an acceptance of the benefits of adult learning and signposting to further learning. Staff taking part in learning are encouraged to spread the word about what is available and how it can help.


To help reduce the ‘fear’ factor of maths and enable staff to learn at a time suitable for them, Kent has developed an online blended learning course for numeracy. The resources are available without the need to sign up for the whole course and have helped to promote independent learning.


For information on Test the Organisation, go to www.move-on.org.uk/testthe.asp


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