Argues that medieval popular literacy can provide a crucial link for understanding alternative literacies. Claims that medieval practices explain some contemporary literacy practices, especially those outside the academy. (HB)

This illustrated booklet contains short statements written by students of adult basic education and other adult literacy programs offered in connection with Randolph Community College in North Carolina. The writings are in the students' words in language that is meaningful and pertinent to their levels of reading. The writings are grouped into the…

Examines eighteenth- and nineteenth-century British writing instruction, which consisted of precepts reinforced by practice. Notes that the gradual abandonment of Latin as the language of education and culture, the shift to a literate culture, and the proliferation of books and periodicals altered writing instruction. (SG)

Since thousands of the men who entered military service during World War II were illiterate, the Army developed an "Army Reader," a four-part series featuring Private Pete, that led learners through literacy levels 1-4. Part 1 introduced Private Pete and talked about the things the men experienced when they entered the Army. Part 2…

Describes the phenomenon of the writing workshop as it developed in the early days of the British adult literacy campaign. Discusses the history of the workshops, how a writing event works, organizational concerns, educational implications, and contrasts with other methods of teaching adult literacy. (RS)

Notes that publishers of children's books and teaching materials have been keen to provide appropriate materials for use in the literacy hour. Suggests that lack of time and training to assimilate the new approaches caused many teachers to rely on commercially published materials. Concludes that time to become more knowledgeable and confident…

This paper surveys the study of English in British schools from the 16th century to the present. The paper proceeds chronologically, using key terms operative in education at various times to structure discussion. In the 16th century a key term was "rhetoric," which concerns oral expression. "The Art and Craft of Rhetoric," is…

Describes current literacy practices in Australia and the history of influential approaches to literacy instruction. Discusses the unique contexts of professional development and practice that may make Australian approaches to literacy different from whole-language movements in American schools. (SR)

This paper investigates aspects of literacy and numeracy skills in seventeenth and early eighteenth century New England in order to provide a qualitative context for recent quantitative studies of colonial literacy. Sources include colonial legislation on education and apprenticeship, town records, schoolchildren's textbooks and copybooks, as well…

In 19th century America, talk of manners and morals as integral components of American character filled a significant space in public discourse. Lessons on how to compose oneself properly and models of appropriate behavior abounded in the form of essays, stories, poetry, editorials, and travel literature. This conversation on character influenced…

Outlines the most important 20th century developments in reading instruction for young children, analyzing why an approach was tried, and presenting results of these instructional efforts. It is concluded that the current perspective that seems to meet the needs of most children is that of emergent literacy. (SLD)

Focusing on how textbooks and ideology influence and reflect literacy instruction, this book examines literacy as defined in the public elementary schools of British Columbia, Canada. Chapters include: (1) "Approaches to the Study of Literacy and Curriculum"; (2) "The Text in Historical Context: The Debate over Schooling and…

Gives a history of the whole language movement. Looks at the early use of the term "whole language." Explores influences from philosophy, psychology, linguistics, and education on development of whole language. Discusses influences from early educational movements in the U.S., England, and New Zealand. (Author/BB)