Functional Skills: Literacy, Numeracy & ICT

What are Functional Skills? 

Functional skills are literacy, numeracy and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). They form the basis of being able to interact with others and deal with situations in both personal and professional life. Not everyone is academic or excels in school so there may be gaps in the level of capability. As a teacher or trainer, it is important to increase the functional skills capacity of all your students. You can become a functional skills trainer by completing the level 3 AET qualification and then build lessons that include the opportunity for students to grow their skills in these areas.

Literacy

Literacy is the ability to read, write, listen and speak as a method of communication. Students should be encouraged to use correct vocabulary and punctuation when writing essays and delivering presentations. Teachers should set tasks that allow students to communicate with each other, therefore improving their literacy skills.

For example, in the beauty industry, it is essential for students to have sufficient literacy skills to be able to follow manufacturer’s instructions and report on incidents and complaints. They have to understand their client's needs and read the ingredients in the products they use. All of this requires literacy skills and beauty trainer courses should include them and encourage students to read, write, speak and listen. You can become a functional skills trainer if you have the functional skills qualifications as well as completing the level 3 AET qualification.

Numeracy

Numeracy is essential for everyone as it helps individuals develop reasoning and logical thinking skills. We need numeracy to make sense of numbers, solve problems, tell time, identify patterns and show trends. For example, first aid trainers get their learners to count the number of compressions, note the timing and repetitions and remember the steps to ensure CPR is done in a safe way. It is a part of their lesson planning. Similarly, a functional skills tutor will always ensure that they logically plan the lessons so the learners can grasp the knowledge to the required level. Our level 3 AET course extensively focuses on lesson planning which involves the importance of functional skills in every aspect of planning.

Information & Communications Technology (ICT)

ICT is present in most aspects of modern living; from mobile phones, tablets and smart technology to enterprise applications. Many careers now include an element of technology, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic forced the world into lockdown.  Therefore individuals need to be familiar with how to use the various hardware and applications available that eases their professional tasks. The level 3 teaching course focuses on various aspects of lesson planning and the use of ICT skills in education. Needless to say, ICT skills are essential in the 21st century. The world of education and training during the pandemic shifted completely online. It is as important to acquire knowledge online these days as it is in a traditional classroom. The level 3 teaching course enabled many individuals to become a trainer online while the world was in lockdown. As a trainer, you may not be so well versed in using technology to teach online. We have the right CPD course for you on online teaching that has all the theoretical knowledge you need to know about the online aspect of teaching.

Summary

The ability to communicate effectively through literacy, perform basic calculations using numeracy and use technology with confidence is critical to modern living. A grasp of the basics can make you more employable. Upgrade your knowledge and buy the level 3 teaching course today!

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