Describes how an Ohio effort to use authentic literature (specifically picture books and young adult literature chosen as appropriate for adults) with adult learners has been successful in varied programs across the state. Notes that the program has fostered students' involvement, critical thinking skills, and love for reading. (SR)

Describes experiences with adult students showing that teachers can take a dialogic approach to literacy in any classroom setting. Points out that the focus is on talk, generative themes, and written dialog. (SR)

Describes a workplace literacy program that uses both workplace and participant-generated materials, including job descriptions, job procedures, training materials, newsletters, booklets, and memos. Shows how literacy development went beyond the survival stage to levels of empowerment and human development. (SR)

Presents a short excerpt from Barbara Kingsolver's book "High Tide in Tucson," intended as a read-aloud for adult beginning readers. Discusses the selection, why it was chosen, and specific activities (both language arts and other) that could grow out of this excerpt. (SR)

Argues that metaphor, as it thrives in fiction and poetry, is relevant and even essential, to adult-literacy theory and practice. Argues that the concrete poetic images, metaphors, and stories literacy educators learn from students should help shape their theoretical discussions of adult literacy; and likewise, once learned, these should be the…

Discusses the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s: the context of the time, its educational programs, instruction, teachers, and how it handled the problem of illiteracy. Examines whether this kind of program would work in the 1990s, concluding that many of the programs components would transfer well to the present. (SR)

Answers teachers' questions about using children's literature and young adult literature with adult students. Offers suggestions for using these books in the classrooms, and for selecting such books. Offers a list of 24 picture books and young adult books useful for adult learners. (SR)