Current teaching practice in using a system of phonics with post-16 learners

The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) commissioned research from a team based at University College London to investigate current teaching practice in using phonics in the Further Education and Training sector.

The research was undertaken to investigate current experiences of teaching reading, writing and word level skills – with a particular focus on literacy practitioners who are teaching Functional Skills English at entry level. The feedback included comments on:

their experience of using phonics approaches with diverse adult learner groups

any barriers and enablers to effective practice that they are aware of.

The anonymised findings in ‘Current practice in using a system of phonics with post-16 learners’ provide effective background guidance to the sector in the run up to the reform of the Functional Skills English curriculum. The report includes a review of the evidence supporting the use of phonics-based approaches with adult learners; and learner and practitioner perspectives on the range of materials available.

The ETF, together with subject experts, is undertaking the development of a framework and resources for phonics teaching in the post-16 sector as part of the Functional Skills workforce training programme.