Learning Families: Intergenerational Approaches to Literacy Teaching and Learning

The report “Learning Families: Intergenerational Approaches to Literacy Teaching and Learning” was developed by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL). The report provides examples of effective learning at multiple levels of the family organisation and points to the importance of “creating learning families in which each member is a lifelong learner.”. The report identifies examples of approaches which can encourage literacy and language skills for all family members, providing case studies from 22 different countries (including Clare Family Learning from Ireland, identified in the IE national report). The examples provided in the report can be used to inform best practice, identify benefits and “good news stories” re family learning, as well as providing details on effective intergenerational approaches to family learning. Essential elements for success at a very very broad level point to the importance of providing sustained teacher training, developing cultures of collaboration between institutions, teachers and parents, and securing sustainable funding through longer-term policy support.