In Pakistan, adult literacy programs are designed to empower individuals for personal, familial, and societal development; however, these programs continue to struggle with persistently low participation rates. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach to explore the underlying factors contributing to this issue. Forty-five participants,…

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,…

A case study of the Bob Steele Reading Center in Connecticut demonstrates problems inherent in participatory literacy education when the learners, the program's culture, and the sociocultural context are not grounded in the participatory democratic ethic. (SK)

This manual provides reading materials and exercises to teach reading and corollary academic skills. It also exemplifies a method of creating learner-centered materials relevant to the adult student. Teacher materials found at the beginning of the manual include a curriculum guide for obtaining oral histories; the guide is an effective vehicle for…

A study examined the sources of motivation of adults participating in the adult literacy program at the Bob Steele Reading Center (BSRC) in Hartford, Connecticut. The "life cycle" approach used to explore motivation throughout the stages of the literacy learning process included brief case studies focusing on the importance of socioemotional…

This handbook was developed as a resource for college campuses participating in Literacy Impact, a nationwide grassroots movement mobilizing college students, new readers, and their communities to increase awareness of literacy as a tool for social justice. Discussed in the introduction are the missions of SCALE (Student Coalition for Action in…

This guide is intended to assist individuals involved in the development, administration, and delivery of volunteer-based community adult literacy programs. Addressed in the individual sections of the guide are the following topics: community (community assessment, learner population, program purposes, public awareness, and partnerships and…