Discusses the similarities and differences in the way adult basic education programs are operated in the United States and in the United Kingdom. (JOW)

The authors review current practices in writing instruction in adult literacy classes. They observe that students spend little time writing. Innovative teaching activities are mentioned. They discuss goals of writing instruction and how to adapt present practices to meet the writing requirements of the General Educational Development Test. (CH)

Examines reading anxieties (and test anxieties) of students in two developmental college reading courses. Finds that group and individual anxiety reduction methods made a significant difference in the reading performance and attitudes of the adult basic education students. (RS)

Lists suggestions for selecting easy reading books for adult new readers, ways to make reading easier, reading aloud and active reading, and follow-up activities after a book is finished. (SK)

Observation of an adult literacy class and participant interviews yielded data about the teaching context, session organization, types of teacher questions, patterns of questioning, and student perceptions. Analysis using critical theory concluded that teachers may aim to establish democratic processes, but practical questioning strategies may…

There is renewed emphasis on student assessment in adult literacy. Popular methods are instructor-made tests and performance assessment through observation, portfolios, writing samples, audio- and videotapes, and collaborative projects. (SK)

Suggests that teachers can use adapted or abridged classic novels with Adult Basic Education (ABE) students and enrich them by reading aloud short passages from the full length novels. Offers guidelines for selecting novels and excerpts. (PRA)

Explores the relationship between participation in a Canadian urban adult literacy programs and employment status over three years. Finds that most participants returned to the same sort of low-paying jobs. Suggests that agencies and groups providing financial support for such programs reconsider the strong focus on employment that permeates these…

Describes a training framework which used active listening to introduce volunteer adult literacy tutors to student-centered learning, expanding from active listening into group and learner observations. (SR)

Universities can play a role in resolving the problems of functionally illiterate adults, which have reduced human capital and economic production. One university's adult competency initiative provided classes and tutoring for its employees and community members, supporting its mission to apply knowledge in the real world. (SK)

Provides a brief summary of whole-language theory and offers suggestions for its application in adult education settings. Maintains that when instructional techniques rooted in whole-language theory are used with adult beginning readers, learning is more meaningful and success can be dramatic. (SR)

An evaluation of Job Trails, a computerized basic skills assessment of functional context literacy, received 79 responses from adult students showing that (1) it works best with low performing learners; (2) adults liked using computers and did not view it as a "test"; and (3) they learned more about necessary job skills. (SK)

The General Educational Development Tests can be used to place adult basic education students for study, to measure progress achieved, to enable students to qualify for postsecondary education, and to evaluate program effectiveness. (SK)

Using categories of racism, sexism, and socioeconomic stereotypes, 37 stories from adult reading series were analyzed. Compared to a 1977 study, texts have improved only slightly. Reproduction of the cultural and political status quo remains the hidden curriculum of literacy education. (SK)

A General Educational Development (GED) certificate is not rigorous enough to substitute for a high school diploma and does not help the recipient economically or in college. Either stronger standards should be developed for GEDs, or dropout-prevention programs should be intensified. (SK)