About NRDC

National Research and Development Centre for Adult Literacy and Numeracy (NRDC), dedicated to conducting research and development projects to improve literacy, numeracy, language and related skills and knowledge.

History

NRDC was established in 2002 by the DfES as part of Skills for Life, the national strategy for improving adult literacy and numeracy skills.

Aims

At NRDC we aim to improve teaching practice and inform government policy through the generation of knowledge, by creating a strong research culture and by developing professional practice.

Process

We are committed to ensuring that research is both methodologically rigorous and grounded in the needs of learners, practitioners and employers.

Research

The research we conduct is broken down into five areas of study (or programmes) 

• Economic Development, Impact of Basic Skills and Social Inclusion 
• Motivating Learners to Succeed - Increasing Participation, Retention and Achievement
• Raising Quality - Effective Teaching and Learning 
• Professional Development and the Quality of the Skills for Life Workforce 
• The Context, Infrastructure and Impact of Skills for Life on Provision and Learners

Consortium

The National Research and Development Centre for Adult Literacy and Numeracy is a consortium of partners, who are specialists in the fields of literacy, numeracy and ESOL.

About this website

This website is designed to provide a resource for all those interested in adult literacy, language and numeracy. It provides a first point of call for communicating with NRDC and links to organisations within the consortium.