Let’s get real! Integrating LLN into Indigenous VET delivery

This paper describes an emerging model of collaborative practice between lecturers from Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (Batchelor Institute) in the Northern Territory in the fields of adult English language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care. This collaboration evolved from the concern of lecturers from the Department of Clinical Practice and Community Care that poor course outcomes in the VET sector appeared to be related closely to the low levels of English language, literacy and numeracy skills of participants enrolled across a number of health courses. The lecturers also expressed that they were not 'in a position to confidently incorporate LLN into their delivery' (Mackay, Burgoyne, Warwick and Cipollone 2006, p. 1) and that this was something that they thought was a common experience amongst their VET colleagues