The present paper sought to offer a theoretical perspective on the social practice approach (SPA) in adult literacy since its conceptualization in the early 1980s. It aims to provide a holistic understanding of SPA by examining its objectives, development, and practical applications. The analysis highlights how the SPA differs from traditional…

In a most timely volume addressing many of the connections among current fiscal and employment crises to adult education, Learning for Economic Self-Sufficiency highlights the problems and challenges that low-literate adults encounter in various environments. Moreover, this book presents strategies for addressing the chronic illiteracy among…

Adult education is an umbrella concept under which come various dimensions, including adult literacy, adult basic education, continued education, continued professional education, and adult vocational education. To be effective, an adult educator must realize that: (1) adults learn differently than children do; (2) adult education must develop…

The use of small groups in adult literacy and basic education has been stimulated by a desire to provide a more learner-centered and collaborative learning environment. Another set of factors promoting their use is related to increased use of language experience or whole language as instructional approaches in adult literacy and basic education.…

The Each One Teach One (EOTO) literacy project undertaken by universities and colleges is one of five methods of conducting adult education programs in India. A basis for an understanding of EOTO is a definition of literacy--a person is considered literate if he or she has mastered accuracy and fluency in word recognition, comprehension of…

A research-based model of adult literacy categorizes adult reading habits into four categories: (1) illiteracy, the inability to read; (2) aliteracy, the absence of reading by those who are able to read; (3) selective literacy, reading only one type of material for a single purpose; and (4) active literacy, fully embracing literacy in all aspects…

A look at one adult literacy class in India indicated that, despite apparently ideal educational conditions, students remained almost illiterate. The author comments on the results and speculates on the reasons. (MF)

This document includes five papers on teaching reading skills to illiterate adults. The first discusses the stages of development in acquiring reading skills--introduction, application, and mastery; and suggests two steps which should be taken with reference to reading instruction for illiterate adults--sub groups within the target population…

This handbook is a practical aid intended to help the tutor of adult illiterates assess the student's needs, evaluate his progress, and plan a program which will assist him in reaching the level of functional literacy (i.e., the ability to develop reading skills and vocabulary, using reference books, without outside help). Evaluation and lesson…

This technical assistance guide contains information on adult learners and how they differ from learners who are children and the related program implications. The first section describes characteristics of adults that affect the attitudes adults bring to the classroom situation. These include bringing life experiences; having self-concept as a…

This guide provides adult literacy practitioners with a sampling of 103 exemplary professional development resources. It is designed to address the broad needs and interests of adult literacy practitioners and is intended as a resource guide for out-of-field professionals, who are being called upon to perform adult literacy services. Books,…

This book, which was developed during a Canadian project researching adult learning styles and acquisition of literacy skills, is intended to serve as a sourcebook of facts, ideas, and resources for literacy instructors working with low-functioning or illiterate adults. The introduction includes the following topics: using learning styles, the…

This document contains the final report and the third-year report of the Center for Adult Learning Research, which was established at Montana State University (MSU) in December 1985 with support from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. The final report reviews first- through third-year activities. It describes the following research projects: strategies…

A TEACHER TRAINING MANUAL DEVELOPED IN THREE ADULT BASIC EDUCATION WORKSHOPS SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL ADULT EDUCATION (NAPSAE) OUTLINES A SCHEME APPLICABLE BOTH TO TRAINEES AND TO THEIR DISADVANTAGED CLIENTELE. TEACHER TRAINING METHODS INCLUDE ROLE PLAYING, TALKS BY EXPERTS, DEMONSTRATIONS AND EXHIBITIONS, FIELD…

THIS GUIDE PRESENTS A VARIETY OF MATERIALS, METHODS, AND IDEAS FOR TEACHING FUNCTIONALLY ILLITERATE ADULTS (WITH LESS THAN GRADE 4 READING ABILITY). EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON HELPING ADULTS TO READ INDEPENDENTLY AND TO ATTAIN A LEVEL OF SKILL SUFFICIENT FOR EVERYDAY READING TASKS. THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS DEAL WITH THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM OF…