This qualitative study examined the impact of a six-step framework for work-specific vocabulary instruction in adult English language learners (ELLs). Guided by research in English as a second language (ESL) methodology and the transactional theory, the researchers sought to unveil how these processes supported the acquisition and application of…

Describes an effort to attack a regional workplace illiteracy problem with a community-based needs assessment. Indicates that the needs assessment will be effective if it (1) emphasizes the social and economic effects of illiteracy, (2) explicitly links illiteracy to its regional effects, and (3) is accomplished within the time and funding…

Describes a successful workplace literacy program necessitated by increased skill requirements of employees. Discusses mistakes as well as good decisions. (JOW)

Discusses the basic skills training program instituted for the nonexempt work force at First Chicago Corporation, the 10th-largest bank holding company in the United States. Presents the rationale for the program and describes the successful training efforts in place at the bank. (JOW)

Workers' opinions regarding adult education conducted in the workplace demonstrated insight about themselves as learners and an understanding of high quality adult education programs. As a whole, the 80 participants preferred active, hands-on learning and preferred someone to demonstrate the task and then to try it themselves. (JOW)

Staff of the Adult Learning Resource Center in Des Plaines, Illinois, expanded their traditional program of adult education support services to include workplace training and support. A Workforce Education Provider Discussion Group was established. (Author/JOW)

A National Workplace Literacy Project implemented by the Center on Education and Training for Employment and the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council involves a partnership that employs teacher-worker co-learner methodology. It uses the DELTA (DACUM Enhanced Literacy Task Analysis) process to identify learner needs. (JOW)

The U.S. Secretary of Labor outlines the roles of the essential partners in work force development: employers, unions, educational institutions, and government. Her human resource agenda places high priority on workplace literacy and basic skills training. (SK)

Describes the process used in developing custom-tailored workplace basic skills programs. Examples show that learning objectives are mainly the same skills that are taught in more generic classes. The difference is that they use scenarios and text directly from the workplace. (Author/JOW)

Looks at a literature-based approach to reading instruction and the whole-language approach to teaching adult literacy. Describes the instructional procedure used in a workplace literacy program serving employees of the Ohio State University hospital staff. (JOW)

Offers step-by-step guidelines for creating effective team work in a workplace basic skills program, including preplanning, determining worker skills, developing curriculum, evaluating, and reporting the results. (JOW)

Workplace-English-as-a-Second-Language (WESL) programs are successful to the extent supervisors can be involved and supportive. They know that language and literacy needs are pertinent to tasks at hand and are the individuals that employees try to please most. Supervisors need help, encouragement, and information about the WESL program from…

Converting job materials into a basic skills curriculum requires collection of information about job functions; worker abilities; social, cultural, and interpersonal aspects of the workplace; and written materials used on the job. A balance should be struck between literacy and job skills. (JOW)

Good workplace education partnerships begin with honest assessment of the problems to be addressed, building of a vision or common mission, commitment to shared responsibility, identification of resources, and the decision to act in concert toward achieving common goals. Models include basic two-partner collaborations and multiple-industry or…

Points out that, to keep the work force up to date, business, industry, and labor groups are inviting adult basic educators to design and implement retraining programs at the worksite. Provides suggestion for designing custom-made basic skills instruction using work-related materials. (JOW)