Evaluation of a workplace literacy program at a mining and processing plant involved interviews with 15 participants. Most used learning guides and valued computer-based learning but disliked videos. Observing and listening helped them move from knowing about to knowing how. (SK)

Discusses adult literacy in the workplace and presents an annotated bibliography of 48 government documents, journal articles, and monographs on the subject that were written from 1988 through 1991. A descriptive listing of eight organizations concerned with workplace literacy is also included. (six references) (LRW)

A framework for identifying information regarding workplace communication requirements is presented that assumes communication involves sign systems as well as spoken and written language. Research with suburban supermarket checkout operators indicates that communication is deeply embedded in the social context. (Contains 18 references.) (LB)

An inventory collected responses from 63 adult beginning readers and 41 proficient readers regarding beliefs, feelings, and behaviors about consumer, social context, work-related, at-home, and recreational reading. Many views of the two groups were similar, although beginners disliked reading complex materials and reading aloud, do not read at…

Washoe High School in Reno, Nevada, is reaching out into the community by establishing literacy classes in the workplace. The high school furnishes tutors and textbooks; employers contribute classroom space, inexpensive work materials, and students. (MLF)

Study of language/literacy needs of Sydney (Australia) local government found a strong oral culture among employees but management reliance on written communication. A multifaceted approach integrating literacy with other training programs was recommended. Literacy skills were vital to the process of award restructure (job reclassification). (SK)

As the number of organizations engaged in some form of workplace literacy training grows, their capacity to enhance worker skills/knowledge and improve productivity becomes more challenging. Two factors are important: instructional program fit in the workplace and types of organizational support available. (Contains six references.) (LB)

Includes "Broadening Our Horizons" (Holden); "Reading through 'Literacy Broadsheet'" (Hazell); "Tracking Writing through 49 Issues of 'Literacy Broadsheet'" (McGuirk); "Maths, Literacy--or Numeracy?" (Johnston); "Workplace Education: A 'Literacy Broadsheet' Perspective" (Adams); "I Always…

Examines key elements related to broad transfer of what is learned in workplace literacy classes to life outside class. Asks some workplace literacy instructors and learners to document what they covered in class and what sorts of literacy activities learners engaged in weekly. Constructs a model as a potential tool to identify factors likely to…

Examines literacy and work in a high-performance workplace: a factory in South Africa. Conducts the study where workers have secure jobs and are part of a globalised enterprise with a declared policy of empowering workers. Shows that the employees commonly experience their workplace as a highly stressful environment where new learning and…

Alabama has developed a course of science study that incorporates the National Research Council's standards in science teaching, professional development, assessment, content, program, and system standards. A group of Calhoun County educators and science-related industry leaders recommended that science courses stress hands-on activities,…

Finds adult readers' efforts at and enjoyment of reading tasks varied depending on the texts and purpose for reading. Notes most readers relied on activating prior knowledge, rereading of text, and note taking. Finds a significant three-way interaction between reading source, setting, and occupation only. Illustrates how specific social context…

Considers the motives of corporate America regarding the standards and testing movement in education. Notes that the main objective of the Business Roundtable (a coalition of CEOs of the nation's largest corporations) is not quality education but the preservation of the competitiveness of corporate America. Discusses changes in workplace literacy…

Through analysis of an interview excerpt with Sally, an enterprise-based literacy teacher, this study explores how the changing workplace influences how the teacher conceptualizes her relationships with her action learning team and with the wider workplace context. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on ESL Literacy Education) (Author/VWL)

This article explores how far research findings about successful pedagogies in formal post-school education might be used in non-formal learning contexts--settings where learning may not lead to formal qualifications. It does this by examining a learner outcomes model adapted from a synthesis of research into retention. The article first…