The Survey of Adult Skills : Reader’s Companion.

Description

This reader's companion for the Survey of Adult Skills explains what the survey measures and the methodology behind the measurements, provides content of the background questionnaires, examines the relationship between this survey and other skills surveys, as well the issues of 'key competencies"" and measurements of human capital. Foreword Acknowledgements Table of Contents Reader's Guide Introduction Chapter 1 -- What the Surveyof Adult Skills (PIAAC) Measures Some major features of the assessment An assessment of key information-processing competencies A use-oriented conception of competency Proficiency as a continuum The importance of contextual information Box 1.1 Competencies or skills? An overview of literacy, numeracy and problem solving in technology-rich environments Table 1.1 Summary of assessment domains in the Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) Literacy Definition Content Cognitive strategies. ContextsDistribution of test items by task characteristics Table 1.2 Distribution of literacy items by medium Table 1.3 Distribution of literacy items by context Table 1.4 Distribution of literacy items by cognitive strategy Literacy sample items Reading components Examples of reading component items Numeracy Definition Content Representations of mathematical information Cognitive strategies Contexts Distribution of test items by task characteristics Table 1.5 Distribution of numeracy items by response type Table 1.6 Distribution of numeracy items by context. Table 1.7 Distribution of numeracy items by mathematical contentNumeracy sample items Problem solving in technology-rich environments Definition Content Cognitive strategies Contexts Distribution of test items by task characteristics Table 1.8 Distribution of problem-solving tasks by cognitive dimensions Table 1.9 Distribution of problem-solving tasks by technology dimensions Table 1.10 Distribution of problem-solving tasks by context Table 1.11 Distribution of problem-solving tasks by intrinsic complexity (number of steps). Table 1.12 Distribution of problem-solving tasks by intrinsic complexity (number of constraints)Table 1.13 Distribution of problem-solving tasks by explicitness of problem statement Problem-solving sample item Notes References Chapter 2 -- The Background Questionnaire of the Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) The characteristics and background of respondents Table 2.1 Data collected concerning the characteristics and background of respondents Educational attainment and participation in learning activities. Table 2.2 Information collected regarding educational experience and current participationin learning activitiesLabour force status, work history and job characteristics Table 2.3 Information collected regarding labour force status, work history and job characteristics Social participation and health Table 2.4 Information collected on social participation and health The use of skills Engagement as a component of proficiency The role of literacy and numeracy practices and computer use in maintaining and developing skills Comparative information on a broader range of key skills.