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The Role of National Media in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Policy: a Case Study from Australia

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Abstract

In 2013, the OECD released its findings from the Survey of Adult Skills (SAS) which assessed adults’ skills in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving in technology-rich environments in 22 countries. OECD initiatives like SAS and PISA have been the subject of critical policy studies, particularly in relation to their influence on national policymaking. National media as actors in these policy contexts have been the focus of some of these policy studies. Using a methodology informed by actor network theory (ANT), this study examines the Australian media’s responses to the release of the country’s SAS results, whilst making historical and international comparisons to uncover factors that mobilise the media to become a policy actor.

Résumé

En 2013, l’OCDE publiait les résultats de son Enquête internationale sur l’alphabétisation des adultes (EIAA), qui évaluait les compétences de base des adultes en termes de lecture, d’écriture, de calcul et de résolution de problèmes en milieu hautement technologique, dans 22 pays. Certaines initiatives de l’OCDE telles que l’IIAA et l’étude PISA ont fait l’objet de plusieurs études critiques, particulièrement pour ce qui a trait à leur influence sur l’élaboration des politiques nationales, et une partie de ces études ont été centrées sur les médias nationaux en tant qu’acteurs dans les contextes politiques. Utilisant une méthodologie éclairée par la théorie des réseaux d’acteurs (TRA), la présente étude analyse les réactions des médias australiens suite à la publication des résultats de l’EIAA au pays, et établit des comparaisons historiques et internationales visant à mettre en évidence les facteurs qui mobilisent les médias à devenir des acteurs politiques.

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Notes

  1. In addition to the 22 member countries, Cyprus and the Russian Federation also participated.

  2. For example, OECD’s SAS and its predecessors, the Literacy Assessment and Monitoring Programme (LAMP) administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the OECD Programme of International Student Assessment (PISA).

  3. See https://theconversation.com/au/who-we-are

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  1. School of Education, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia

    Keiko Yasukawa

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  1. Keiko Yasukawa
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Correspondence to Keiko Yasukawa.

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Yasukawa, K. The Role of National Media in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Policy: a Case Study from Australia. Can. J. Sci. Math. Techn. Educ. 19, 35–47 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42330-018-0038-8

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