A reading program for adult learners with minimum reading skills should include activities that immerse the student in actual reading experiences. Working with connected text using such approaches as assisted reading, language experience, and independent reading is suggested. Listening activities, discussion, and writing should be vital parts of…

Describes the Active Reading Techniques System (ACTS), developed at Ohio State University as an instructional system for use by tutors of adult learners. ACTS consists of five techniques, each of which are described separately: Language Experience Technique, Information Reading Technique, Life-Skills Technique, Context Clues Technique, and Silent…

Though adult students have rich and varied backgrounds which enhance their reading, too often teaching methods have focused on the print on the page rather than the ideas presented. There is a range of strategies for teaching reading comprehension which is applicable to any material. (JOW)

Discusses the language experience approach (LEA) to teaching adults to read. LEA capitalizes on the adult's rich experience and advanced learning and speaking skills. (JOW)

The author analyzes four informal reading inventories (IRIs) designed for adult students. Evaluative data presented for each IRI include the following: information on word lists and passages and on comprehension questions, estimates of difficulty based on the Fry index of readability, and a summary of scoring and evaluation guidelines. (SK)

Describes a lesson plan model for teaching adults to read. The four phases of the model (reading to the student, silent reading, oral reading by the student, skills work) are presented, their significance explained, and activities and references provided. An annotated bibliography follows the model. (CT)