This Brief first summarizes research findings regarding computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and its effectiveness in adult literacy education programs. The following findings are given: CAI is effective for a significant number of adult learners; CAI is effective because it provides the adult learner with flexibility, control, individualization,…

Describes the first Unesco Experimental Literacy Program. (SP)

The adult literacy scheme introduced at the New University of Ulster, Londonderry, draws heavily on the practice of Paulo Freire and his use of socially charged words. (Author/MW)

Based on material received by the International Institute for Adult Literacy Methods during the first half of 1984, this issue contains selected summaries of books, articles in periodicals, and conference and seminar reports published in the field of literacy and adult education. Some of the issues addressed include (1) the role of adult education…

AN OBSERVATION TEAM OF SPECIALISTS VISITED SITES OF 35 SEPARATE ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN MANY STATES. INTERVIEWS WERE CONDUCTED WITH ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, AND ILLITERATES. MATERIALS WERE EXAMINED, CLASSROOM INTERACTIONS WERE OBSERVED, OBSERVATIONS WERE MADE OF TEACHER AND STUDENT BEHAVIOR, AND ANALYSES WERE MADE OF THE FUNDAMENTALS…

These curriculum materials were collected from teachers in the Lehman College Adult Learning Center (New York). They include various activities and resources, such as a series of questions about the aims of teaching adults, a list of sources for adult basic education (ABE) materials, poems, and autobiographical materials. Teaching suggestions and…

The purpose of this study was to investigate how Canadian adult students collaboratively learn with peers in both formal and non-formal adult literacy programs. A multisite case study research design was used involving several local literacy organizations. Data collection occurred over a four-month period and focused on nine different program…

This handbook is designed to help literacy coordinators, especially in New Mexico, develop and implement volunteer literacy programs. The seven chapters provide information on (1) organizing the program; (2) recruitment of volunteers and students; (3) training tutors; (4) methods of instruction; (5) recordkeeping; (6) recognition and placement for…

THE APPLICATION OF THE LAUBACH METHOD TO TEACH ILLITERATE ADULTS BY TELEVISION WAS REPORTED. THE PROGRAM INVOLVED 600 STUDENTS OF WHOM 250 COMPLETED THE COURSE OF STUDY. THE STUDENTS WERE ILLITERATES ABOUT 40 YEARS OF AGE WITH 2 TO 3 YEARS OF FORMAL SCHOOLING. LESSONS WERE PREPARED AND TELECAST USING MATERIAL DEVELOPED BY F.C. LAUBACH. CLASSES…

The first book about adult education, reprinted here in a limited edition, was published in 1816 in Bristol, England. It marked the beginning of the modern era in education by acknowledging the importance of adult education in the total educational scheme of a society. The author, Thomas Pole, was born in Philadelphia in 1753 and was brought up as…

This document describes a collaborative learning project that investigated how theater and improvisational drama can help adult learners to develop basic literacy and English language abilities. Three teachers, working with an average of 10 students each for 6 months, conducted classes to increase students' skills in improvisation, creative…

Technology is changing the way literacy is being taught to adults, and it is also bringing new sets of problems and challenges for adult basic education programs. Some of the problems associated with the new technology include rapid changes in computers, leading to indecision in purchasing and uncertainty in use, and lack of appropriate software…

A study was conducted to describe and analyze the types of curricular and instructional approaches currently being used in adult literacy programs in New York City. A small representative sample of 16 programs and 48 staff members were selected for study. Information was gathered through onsite observation and interviews with 39 staff members.…

Adult literacy programs could be improved by determining the learning styles and life-styles of individual students and incorporating the findings into the instructional program. Many researchers have looked at adult students' lives and suggested teaching methods based on the studies. Some suggest using an instrument for identifying adults'…

This document is an English-language abstract (approximately 1,500 words) of a study about the world's illiteracy. The writer recalls that the gap between underdeveloped and industrial nations is particularly wide in the field of education. About two fifths of the world's adult population, nearly 800 million people are unable to read or write. The…