Presentations

Thanks to our presenters – from every state and territory as well as NZ and the US – for their generosity and commitment to being a fundamental and inspiring part of the 2025 ACAL Conference.

PowerPoints have been converted to PDF format.

Plenary sessions

Arch Nelson Address: ‘Addressing diverse needs: Rethinking the future of adult literacy education’

Lyn Wilson, TAFE NSW and Reading and Writing Hotline

As a result of a program change  C1 became a plenary session.

C1 “It’s not just you”: Why are we all finding it hard to reach the literacy learners we know are out there?

Vanessa Iles, Reading Writing Hotline

Video presentation from the US

‘Literacy in the time of artificial intelligence’

Professors Bill Cope and Mary Kalantzis,

Update on The Foundation Skills Study

Trevor Gauld, Jobs and Skills Australia

Transformative potential: Innovative approaches to adult numeracy

Dr Lorraine Gaunt, Charles Sturt University

Thursday, Sept 4 concurrent sessions

A1 Life, the Universe and Stories: Supporting a love of reading

Christopher Smith, Shared Reading NSW INC

No PowerPoint was used in this session.

A2 The impact of trauma on learning

Karen Dymke, Thoughtful Works

A3 Bridging the gap: Empowering adult learners through AI literacy education

Dr Katrina Tour, Dr Edwin Creely and Dr Peter Waterhouse, Monash University and Mary Wallace, LWA

B1 What dualism does for VET: To which tribe do you belong?

Dr Don Zoellner, Charles Darwin University

B2 Missing the mark – how the Adult Literacy and Numeracy Teaching program (ALaNT) is helping LND pedagogy reclaim its place

Gemma Beall and Ros Bauer, TAFE NSW

B3 Unlocking potential: VET success through rural and remote study hubs

Leonie Webster and Leonie Keating, Central Queensland University

As a result of a program change  C1 became a plenary session.

C1 “It’s not just you”: Why are we all finding it hard to reach the literacy learners we know are out there?

Vanessa Iles, Reading Writing Hotline

C2 LLND skills training to support local voices and leadership with Aboriginal rangers in the NT

Jaemie Page, Batchelor Institute and Bidwern Butj Uni

C3 DIVR Champions Project – Diving into virtual reality for the adult LLN classroom (peer to peer professional development project)

Kathrin Colgan, Head of English Language Centre and Tracey Dyson, International Program Manager, Holmesglen

Friday, Sept 5 concurrent sessions

P1 Introduction to ProLiteracy’s free resources

Lauren Osowski, ProLiteracy

P2 Literacy and voice: Understanding political participation in a First Nations community-led adult literacy campaign

Andoni Laguna Alberdi, The University of Melbourne and Alera Foster, Literacy for Life Foundation

Q1 Lessons learned from the establishment and development of Here 2 Help Literacy and Numeracy Hub

Carol Holden, Here 2 Help (TAFE NSW)

Q2 Upskilling educators, empowering learners: Strengthening adult literacy through dyslexia-friendly and values-based approaches

Annette Tofaeono, Ako Aotearoa – The National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence (Aotearoa, New Zealand)

Q3 Australian Literacy Mediation in Practice: An applied linguistic study

Sebastian Blake, University of South Australia

R1 Profiles journeys and outcomes amongst foundation skills learners in the Australian VET system.pdf

Dr Angus Hughes, National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER)

R2 Exploring the TAESS00026 Foundation Skills Integration Skill Set – learning from a pilot program with teachers at NMTAFE, Perth, WA

Susan Thompson and Athena Tsonis, NMTAFE, Perth WA

R3 Designing tools to support adult numeracy learners: A practical workshop

Dr Lorraine Gaunt, Charles Sturt University

S2 We, Work, World – Embedding sustainability within our curriculum

John Blake, Eastern College Australia

S3 Why context is the critical starting point in numeracy (& maths)

Dave Tout, ACER, University of Melbourne and Multifangled P/L

T1 Pathways program supporting complex and diverse needs: A pilot 2024-2025

Cassandra Pattison and Liliana E. Correa, Ace Community Colleges (Lismore)

T2 Building bridges to inclusion and empowerment: Central Regional TAFE’s GATE to lifelong learning

Helen Smith, Central Regional TAFE – Geraldton

T3 Earth Up Holmesglen horticulture program empowering students and growing literacy and numeracy in young adults

Sophie Kenny, Holmesglen TAFE

U1 From reluctant to relaxed and re-engaged: How LLN service managers and tutors are designing programs to reduce educational fear

Amanda Wilson, Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor

U2 Empowering VET students through LLND skills: A comprehensive approach

Shemyla Khan and Nilima Kawser, MTC Australia