How ASR can help the 49% of English adults struggling with their reading
The OECD Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) is an international assessment that evaluates adults' proficiency in essential information-processing skills such as literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving.
The most recent findings for adults in England paint a concerning picture: a significant proportion of the population struggles with basic literacy, limiting their ability to thrive in both daily life and the workplace.
Despite various interventions, literacy outcomes remain stagnant, particularly among those with the lowest skill levels. Addressing this crisis requires innovative solutions—and advancements in Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology offer new opportunities to support literacy development.
What does the data say?
Recent literacy data from the OECD survey highlights the scale of the challenge:
6% of adults in England scored below Level 1
11.5% scored at Level 1
31.6% scored at Level 2
36.6% scored at Level 3
13.2% scored at Level 4
1.1% scored at Level 5
These levels reflect real-world literacy capabilities:
Below Level 1: Difficulty understanding simple texts, like basic instructions.
Level 1: Limited comprehension of straightforward documents.
Level 2: Functional literacy but challenges with more complex or technical information.
Level 3: The minimum literacy level required to navigate modern life and work.
Levels 4 & 5: Advanced analytical and interpretative reading skills.
Alarmingly, 49% of adults in England fall below Level 3—equivalent to over 21 million people. This means nearly half the adult population lacks the literacy skills needed for everyday life and employment. Even more concerning, 17.5% (approximately 6.6 million people) are at or below Level 1, indicating very poor literacy skills.
These figures underscore the urgent need for scalable, effective interventions. ASR technology, like that developed by Auris Tech, provides a promising pathway to address these literacy gaps.
How ASR can transform literacy support
Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology has the potential to revolutionise how we approach literacy development. By using voice recognition to analyse spoken language, ASR systems can provide real-time feedback, personalise learning experiences, and improve access to literacy support.
Real-Time Feedback for Improved Reading Accuracy
ASR technology enables learners to read aloud and receive immediate, accurate feedback on pronunciation, fluency, and comprehension. This real-time correction helps reinforce proper reading habits and allows users to identify mistakes as they occur. Unlike traditional learning environments where feedback may be delayed or limited, ASR systems provide instant, objective analysis, accelerating the learning process.
Personalised Learning Journeys
Through advanced data tracking, ASR technology can tailor reading experiences to the individual's skill level and learning pace. This is particularly valuable for adults seeking to improve literacy, as it offers private, judgement-free practice. Auris Tech’s ASR-driven platforms enable learners to work through material at their own speed while continually adapting to their progress.
Scalability and Accessibility
One of the most significant advantages of ASR technology is its scalability. Platforms powered by ASR, like those developed by Auris Tech, can be used in schools, community centres, and even at home. This broad accessibility ensures that literacy support is available to diverse populations, including adults who may have previously been excluded from formal education.
Moreover, ASR technology helps bridge the digital divide by offering easy-to-use solutions accessible via smartphones, tablets, and computers. This means learners can practice reading anytime, anywhere, breaking down barriers to consistent literacy improvement.
The role of Auris Tech in literacy innovation
Auris Tech is at the forefront of developing ASR technology designed specifically to enhance literacy outcomes. Our proprietary ASR engine is optimised to recognise children’s and adults' speech patterns with high accuracy, providing detailed, meaningful feedback that supports learning across various reading levels.
Our research paper, "Reading Aloud Using Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) to Improve Children’s Reading," highlights the efficacy of ASR technology in fostering literacy development. The findings indicate that integrating ASR into reading practices can significantly enhance reading fluency and comprehension for both children and adults. This research underpins our commitment to using cutting-edge technology to address the literacy crisis.
The OECD data makes it clear: improving literacy outcomes is a societal imperative. Without strong literacy skills, individuals face barriers to employment, education, and essential services. However, ASR technology offers a transformative solution.
By harnessing the power of ASR-driven platforms, we can provide personalised, accessible literacy support at scale. At Auris Tech, we are committed to advancing this technology to empower millions of people to develop the reading skills they need to succeed.
The future of literacy lies in innovation—and with ASR technology, we have the tools to create a more literate, equitable society for all.
