Artificial intelligence is the simulation or development of reasoning and other human-like cognitive abilities by computers. Currently, there is limited exploration of applications of artificial intelligence tools for teaching reading to children in the early childhood and elementary grades, including how artificial intelligence might be used to…

Through a series of summit meetings, the Adult Education Great Cities Summit Initiative explored the needs and concerns of adult education students, teachers, and local program administrators in five large, urban settings. Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Houston participated in a series of activities focused on improving learner…

A survey of the literature on science and reading research supports the identification of six potential foci and numerous interactions for future research related to science and reading. These six areas are: (1) nature of science and science education; (2) nature of the reading process (outlining Holliday's 10 rules for designing effective science…

Although the whole language perspective requires no money, it does involve "kid watching," or knowledge of individual class members and their interests. As the experiences of two elementary teachers illustrate, educators need only look to their own backyards and to past/present historical events for rich instructional material. Includes three…

This study analyzed the word-, sentence-, and passage-level demands of high-interest, low-level books in a manner consistent with an interactive model of reading comprehension. Cases consisted of three randomly selected passages from sixty different books. Cases were analyzed across five variables: high-frequency words, decodable words, sentences,…

A research project examined the production of post-literacy materials through field visits to South Africa, India, Germany, and the Netherlands. In every country the many materials that could be used for the practice of literacy fell into two main groups: special materials (post-literacy and easy reading materials) and real materials (extension…

Discusses the use of authentic materials in developing the reading skills of students in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and of English for Special Purposes (ESP) classes. An example of authentic material, a magazine article, is appended along with sample exercises. (CFM)

Reports the development of a 227-word, primary-level list that was drawn from words appearing in more than 400 books for beginning readers. (FL)

The final report of the 2-year project describes the development and validation of microcomputer software to help assess reading disabled elementary grade children and to provide basic reading instruction. Accomplishments of the first year included: design of the STAR Neuro-Cognitive Assessment Program which includes a reproduction of…

A simple step-by-step procedure for making individual tapes for primary-school children is outlined. Sample scripts of "Teaching the Letter 'A'", "The Five Little Pigs,""Ears To Hear" and "A Tongue To Taste" are included. Behavioral objectives and materials needed for each tape also are given. Pitfalls in tape construction and methods for making…

Discusses the lack of qualified teachers in South Africa to encourage reading in a second language among school children and describes a series of posters and a lectern stand developed by the Shell Education Service that provide teachers with supportive aids that increase their confidence. (LRW)

The connections between language, reading, and cognitive development are considered, along with a method of teaching reading to young hearing impaired children. Principles underlying the Mount Gravatt Research Project in Australia that developed language based reading books for normally hearing children (2.5 to 6.5 years old) are examined. (SEW)

Based on a project conducted by Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA), this guide contains procedures for creating humanities reading materials for adult new readers (fifth grade level or below). For successfully conducting the project, the guide presupposes that a coalition of librarians, literacy program personnel (learners, tutors, and literacy…

Describes the development and evaluation of new classroom materials, including a Class 1 textbook, teacher textbook, and eight supplementary readers, designed to teach children in India to read and write in Telugu. Notes that in schools using the new materials, children showed significant learning gains, and teachers and parents were highly…

The Harvard Adult Literacy Initiative was established in the Harvard University School of Education through the university's Reading Laboratory in 1987. Basic goals of the initiative are to: provide professional training and find effective procedures for training teachers and administrators in the field of adult literacy; conduct research; develop…