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…

A literature review identified strengths and weaknesses of the Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System, a computerized adult literacy program, concluding that it showed no consistent achievement effects. Far less expensive technologies that could achieve the same goals with greater flexibility are available. (SK)

The Christian Literacy Series includes a prereading program and four books of lessons with teachers' manuals. Despite the size of the text and the need for special tutor training, the series has a unique approach that includes Biblical narrative and scriptural content in lessons and is appropriate for adults, children, or family literacy. (SK)

Principles to guide practice for adult beginning reading are (1) a positive rapport; (2) self-revelation; (3) a partnership approach to learning; (4) celebration of success; (5) relevant material; (6) continuous student assessment; (7) reinforcement of literacy skills; (8) mutual respect; (9) a philosophy of reading; and (10) a risk-taking…

Discusses adult literacy and the need for appropriate instruction to prepare workers for job-related reading. (MG)

Five adult day-care clients (average age 66) read passages using Question Answering Reading (QAR) for 6 weeks; 5 read passages normally. QAR produced more social interaction and better comprehension and retention, both when the researcher and when a staff member served as group leader. (SK)

This guidebook offers tips to those who guide people who want to learn to read and write. It is structured in three volumes, each accompanying a separate videotape. The three videotapes are 120 minutes, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes in length, respectively. The guidebook has four goals: (1) help those who guide learners to understand how the learner…

The Florida Adult Homeless Literacy and Basic Skills Assistance Project was initiated in 1992 to provide literacy and basic skills training to at least 2,700 homeless Florida adults. In 1993, a limited evaluation of the project was conducted. Evaluation data were collected from reviews of 39 state and local documents, interviews with the program…

This document incorporates source materials from local and regional newspapers from different parts of the United Kingdom into learning activities to develop literacy skills. The activities are organized into seven sections as follows: local newspapers (types of local newspapers, regular and special features, columns and blocks, and reading the…

The article reviews the guidelines and progress of the adult reading project entitled "Reading Development" initiated by the Cambridge, England Committee of Education in 1971. (MW)

Designed to encourage newspaper involvement in adult literacy and to assist in launching newspaper literacy campaigns, this handbook complements the American Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation's slide/video media show. The handbook is in five sections: (1) The Challenge; (2) Why Become Involved in Literacy? (discussing personal and social…

Condensed from "Peabody Journal of Education, Volume 46 (July 1968), 24-27.

THE EFFICIENCY OF MACHINE VERSUS NONMACHINE INSTRUCTION IN READING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS WAS APPRAISED. PRETESTS AND POST-TESTS WERE USED TO MEASURE RATE, VOCABULARY, AND COMPREHENSION FOR 60 RANDOMLY SELECTED ADULTS ENROLLED IN FOUR CLASSES. SUBJECTS FOLLOWED INDIVIDUALIZED PROCEDURE WITH PRESCRIBED MATERIALS, PREPARED HOME ASSIGNMENTS,…

College-adult reading research trends are discussed. The reading process; the influence of vision, perception, and personality; and program outcomes are noted as major trends of past studies, and a list of mistaken assumptions in these earlier studies is given. Present research shifts to the study of the role of both teacher and student…