Learning & Skills · Source published 10 December 2024
Research signal
The OECD’s December 2024 Survey of Adult Skills report examined literacy, numeracy and adaptive problem solving across participating economies.
Source: OECD — Survey of Adult Skills 2023 · 10 December 2024.
Event Systematic perspective
AI can produce fluent explanations, but the person using them still needs to understand the question and recognise an unreasonable answer. A learner who struggles to interpret a percentage or compare two instructions may need foundational support before a more advanced automation course. Treating that support as a legitimate part of professional development makes training more useful.
In a workplace programme, use a short, respectful diagnostic based on ordinary tasks. Ask participants to interpret a simple table, explain an instruction and identify a missing piece of information. Offer different practice routes based on the results. The purpose is to support progress, not label people as unsuitable for technology.
Put it into practice
- Make diagnostics low-stakes and explain how the results will guide learning.
- Combine numerical and language support with relevant workplace examples.
- Reassess understanding through a fresh task rather than repeating the same questions.
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