Problem
Functional illiteracy
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Other Names:
Adult illiteracyUndeveloped functional literacy
Insufficient literacy levels
Inadequate literacy skills
Nature:
A functionally illiterate adult can read, write, and do basic mathematics calculations, but not well enough to fulfil all the tasks society expects of him. He lacks the skills required to function effectively in his community. He may have received little or no formal education, or his formal education may have been inadequate to the point that he remained functionally illiterate.
Incidence:
An 1997 OECD survey of its 12 member countries stated that, depending on the country, between 25% and 75% of the respondents aged 16 to 65 did not have a literacy level considered 'a suitable minimum skill level for coping with the demands of modern life and work.' Sweden had the highest functionally literacy level, Poland the lowest. There was no statistically significant difference among Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, UK, and the USA.
Broader Problems:
IlliteracyLimited functional abilities Narrower Problems:
Incorrect spellingIgnorance of grammarLimited verbal skillsMathematical ignoranceLimited writing abilityLimited reading abilityInadequate national language proficiency Aggravates:
Verbal uglinessInjurious accidentsVerbal embarrassmentInadequate proposal writingEducational gap between generationsIlliteracy as an impediment for leadershipIlliteracy as an obstacle to acquiring skills Strategies:
Improving literacy for womenUsing libraries to promote literacyIntroducing adult literacy classesTeaching basic literacy prowessIncreasing literacyReducing number of uneducated school leaversCounselling learning-disabled college studentsWriting References:
Fuchs-Bruninghoff, E, et al: Functional Illiteracy and Literacy Provision in Developed Countries: the case of the Federal Republic of GermanyEdgerton, Robert B and Meyers, C Edward: Lives in Process: mildly retarded adults in a large city Subject(s):
Development → Development Education → Colleges
Education → Education
Education → Educational content
Education → Educational level
Education → Schools
Education → Students
Health Care → Handicapped
Society → Adults
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST