Describes the development and pilot testing of an interactive software lesson series designed to increase reading and writing abilities of illiterate adults and adolescents. Results of pilot studies of the High Quality Educational Program indicate the microcomputer approach to instruction combined with appropriate software offers a promising tool…

This paper analyzes the determinants of literacy and earnings in Ghana. Introductory sections discuss developments in literacy in the United States and Great Britain, literacy rates in developing countries, worldwide increases in literacy, literature on the determinants of literacy, aspects of the Ghanaian economy and educational spending, and the…

This brief paper describes a literacy program for adults with mental retardation in the Boston metropolitan region developed when more than 300 individuals formally requested literacy services. Several cognitive and literacy assessments were reviewed and implemented. No one assessment was found to be sufficient to assess ranges from pre-literacy…

A variety of games are described and illustrated for two categories of instructional objectives: (1) to promote relatively complex communicative exchanges among students, and (2) to require students to retain information given by others in the class and use it to solve problems. (MSE)

Problems of dealing with ESL students who are functionally, completely, or semi-literate, or who are not familiar with the Roman alphabet, are outlined, and some solutions to material development and class activities are proposed. Examples and a list of resources are included. (MSE)

Defines the concept of competency-based adult education (CBAE) and maintains that it is not a curriculum, but an adult education process emphasizing individualized instruction, learner goals, functional literacy, and other life skills. Discusses the importance of program evaluation, adult teaching/learning principles, and the teacher's role in…

Describes a nine-step instructional sequence for teaching older disabled readers how to complete job application forms. Provides research findings in support of the program, as well as a sample employment application that includes items frequently appearing on actual job applications. (JT)

Arguments are presented for extending Universal Primary Education to school age children as well as Universal Basic Literacy Education to illiterate and semiliterate adults in Nigeria. Proposed financing of such programs is outlined. (JMF)

In noting his reactions to Rafe-uz-Zaman's essay on literacy and national development (see v9, n1 of this journal), the author states that while literacy's contribution to economic development is important, the personal and qualitative development of the individual matters most. He therefore rejects the concept of "functional" education, stressing…

In his review of Rafe-uz-Zaman's essay (see v9, n1 of this journal), the author recommends the essay's message for adult education planners but criticizes many of its views and methods of expression. He calls for discussion of methodology instead of the essay's random survey of various approaches to policy. (MF)

Culturally derived barriers to participation--such as negative social-structural forces and culturally insensitive programs--hinder minority participation in literacy education. Effective programs empower learners to become critically reflective citizens aware of the structural forces affecting their lives while helping them acquire needed skills…

The convergence of education and the economy is dramatically illustrated by the emergence of the global marketplace and the changing nature of work in the U.S. The problem is not jobs, but finding qualified, skilled workers. Project Literacy U.S. (PLUS) is using broadcast communications to address the nation's functional illiteracy problem. (MLH)

In order to give a draft picture of the church- and school-based literacy campaigns in Sweden, some of the historical sources, problems, methods, and preliminary results from a broad research project on the two campaigns are discussed. (IAH)

Perceptions of 94 adult learners and 31 teachers regarding the nature and goals of literacy education revealed that adult learners tended to view literacy from a fundamental perspective, but entered programs for job-related (functional) reasons. On the other hand, teachers viewed literacy from a functional perspective, but presented programs that…

Explores the role of computer-assisted activities in functional language learning. Suggests that computers appear to be a valuable tool for facilitating language use within the classroom. When used appropriately, computers can provide a genuine, real-world context for children's explorations through their journey to becoming competent literacy…