The purpose of this study was to determine whether students having different primary representational systems would make similar gains in an individualized developmental reading program at a large junior college. None of the primary mode groups (auditory, visual, kinesetic) seemed to enjoy an advantage in terms of vocabulary or comprehension…

Reading teachers, who are often drafted as English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instructors, need to redefine their approach to reading instruction. In the ESL curriculum reading is often secondary, and the teacher must take into account such considerations as ESL students' culture and literacy level in their native languages. (SK)

In a survey of 16 companies with over 500 employees, 12 respondents believed illiteracy was a national problem. Eight considered it a local problem. Eleven believed that schools adequately prepare employees. Limited interest in financially supporting reading programs was expressed. (SK)

Investigated the reading preferences of beginning readers in adult basic education (ABE) classes. Results indicated that ABE students want to read a variety of materials for a variety of reasons. Teachers should search for methods that will allow beginning readers to experience immediate success and joy in reading. (JOW)

Dialect differences are a significant factor in learning to read for English-speaking adults. These differences can be used constructively to help students learn about various features of formal and nonformal English. Emphasis should be on helping students use their experiences to make global sense of the passages they read. (Author/CH)

Describes a study that identified and ranked the major competencies and attributes needed by beginning volunteer literacy tutors of English-speaking adults. Results implied that during the preservice training of tutors, emphasis should be placed on developing interpersonal skills and awareness. (NRJ)

A class of 15 adult literacy students was provided reading instruction and training in self-evaluation skills; a control group of 15 did not receive such training. Data revealed both groups to be overestimators of their reading performance. More experimentals overestimated their performance after training. No differences were found in reading…

The multitext approach to teaching reading to diverse groups of adults involves the teacher in selecting a topic and several books. Students follow a seven-step process that actively engages them in defining their knowledge of the topic and taking responsibility for choosing a text and reading to answer questions about the topic. (SK)

Discusses the need for balance in the research and evaluation of adult beginning readers in seven areas: program success and failure, problem definition versus adult competence, reminiscence versus current requirements, call to action versus knowledge, sociological and instructional diagnosis, assumption versus honest appraisal, and reporting on…

This study developed an inventory that could be used to assess adult beginning readers' attitudes toward reading in the three attitudinal dimensions of beliefs, feelings, and behaviors and in five reading situations identified by a sample of adult beginning readers. Suggested uses for the inventory were generated. (Author/CH)

This bibliographic essay describes resources available in the ERIC database for teachers of adult beginning readers. Categories considered are theories, principles, and assessment tools; resources to assist with material selection and development; and practical teaching guidelines. (SK)

Cost effectiveness analysis in terms of personnel, facilities, equipment, materials, and overhead was made of two adult basic reading programs: Technology for Literacy Center's tutor-based program and Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS), computer-assisted instruction. Costs per unit of gain in reading skills clearly favored the PALS…

Reading, self-esteem, auding, and verbal language levels were measured for 132 youths and adults entering a tutorial program. Results showed that the subjects had low levels of auding, verbal language, and reading, but self-esteem was not significantly related to the other variables. Auding and verbal language skills were shown to be important to…

Compares two approaches to teaching reading to adults: the eclectic, research-based method of Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) and the phonics-based Laubach Literacy International. Concludes that LVA has the advantages of adaptability to student differences, a thorough evaluation system, and a superior published reading series. (SK)

This 8-item test is intended to help adult basic education teachers obtain a quick assessment of the prereading skills that their beginning adult readers have already mastered. The individual items of the test are designed to assess the following: ability to write one's own name; left-to-right orientation; perceptual hearing; sound-letter and…