Though adult students have rich and varied backgrounds which enhance their reading, too often teaching methods have focused on the print on the page rather than the ideas presented. There is a range of strategies for teaching reading comprehension which is applicable to any material. (JOW)

Making adults aware that they regularly pick out main ideas in their everyday lives makes it easier for them to do it in reading. (DD)

This document offers "reciprocal questioning" as a technique that promotes active learning and that is a practical and powerful way to help students improve their reading comprehension. First, the technique is described in detail. Steps include selection of four to five paragraphs of text; preparation of 10-12 questions over the material,…

The reading instructor working with adult "beginners" needs to have an open mind, be willing to be imaginative and adventurous, and think positively. The basic approach requires the instructor to build beginners' confidence; encourage beginners to participate fully, think for themselves, and learn to learn; involve beginners in planning; and…

The CHALLENGES Literacy Project, a 2-year government-funded demonstration project, supported volunteer tutor programs to meet the literacy needs of adults with developmental disabilities in Alberta, Canada. Of the 20 students in the program, most were female; most were aged 20-29; 3 spoke English as a Second Language; 12 lived with family; 18 were…

This document consists of informative material on and a copy of a newspaper for adults who are learning to read. The newspaper is designed to help new readers develop reading skills, while providing interesting and relevant information with an adult focus. Local, national, and international news stories as well as information about health, safety,…

Describes a tabloid newspaper in British Columbia for adults who are learning to read English. The newspaper features information with an adult focus, including human interest stories and articles on adjusting to Canadian life and is graded at three levels of language difficulty to provide varying reading entry points. (LB)

Describes public library materials appropriate for adult literacy students and suggests methods of incorporating them into instruction. (AEA)

Three contributors discuss using advertising slogans in writing instruction, setting up a paperback book lending center in an industrial cafeteria, and the effect of reading supervisors' expertise on junior high school students' reading achievement. (AEA)

This guide is intended for use by teachers and tutors who are using the assisted reading method to teach reading to adult learners. The introduction describes the contents of the guide and the other materials in the Read On! II series, i.e., six textbooks, six workbooks, and a set of tutor resource sheets for use with learners at the beginning…

Describes a lesson plan model for teaching adults to read. The four phases of the model (reading to the student, silent reading, oral reading by the student, skills work) are presented, their significance explained, and activities and references provided. An annotated bibliography follows the model. (CT)

This curriculum guide, written by experienced teachers of adults in Philadelphia, describes a full curriculum for intermediate-level adult literacy students (students who have basic reading skills). The curriculum is based on the assumption that adult students deserve a broad, well-rounded education. The guide also discusses teaching techniques…

This guide gives new tutors who are not professional teachers some techniques for teaching others to read and write. A comprehension-based approach to literacy training is used. Part 1 presents a variety of background information on illiteracy. It also gives some guidelines useful for the new tutor. Part 2 is composed of two diagnostic…

Contains information on a vocabulary game for the content areas; maintaining teacher morale through weekly team meetings; using the typewriter in an adult literacy program; and rewarding completed performance contracts with free books. (JT)

Based on 4 years' experience in a Goodwill adult literacy program, this handbook offers insights to teachers who want to facilitate student-directed group learning. The handbook is organized in seven sections that cover the following: (1) comments on the nature of adult learning and the philosophy of the approach; (2) thoughts on progressive…