Resistance to schooling of characters in 10 works of fiction was analyzed and findings applied to traditional literacy/adult basic education (ABE) programs. The results suggest that resistance occurs when values clash. Since ABE programs tend to reproduce the values of the dominant culture, they contribute to the resistance of those outside the…

Steps in developing a workplace literacy partnership include (1) creating community awareness; (2) developing organizational readiness; (3) analyzing organizational needs, climate, and resources; (4) negotiating program content, structure, participation, and schedule; (5) setting goals and objectives and planning instruction; and (6) implementing…

The author discusses issues of the information age that relate to education. Topics discussed include (1) illiteracy, (2) information organization and use, and (3) preservation of a common means of communication. (CH)

Literacy education is modeled along a continuum moving from a technical conception of literacy to a conception of literacy as praxis, or critical literacy. These competing models are contrasted, and special emphasis is given to one adult basic literacy organization that is managing to humanize the process. (Author/BJV)

Critiques demeaning attitudes toward adult literacy learners implicit in the practices of major literacy programs and examines underlying assumptions about the nature of literacy in light of recent studies. Argues that literacy professionals must confront political and institutional barriers to effective literacy education and offers an…

Describes experiences with adult students showing that teachers can take a dialogic approach to literacy in any classroom setting. Points out that the focus is on talk, generative themes, and written dialog. (SR)

A theory-driven, critical case study of the stated needs for literacy of 11 adult literacy learners, argued to be social constructions, is reported. The hypothesis generated is that notions about literacy acquired in the context of acquisition of that literacy will be represented in the learners' subsequent requests for these literacy needs.…

A systems perspective of adult literacy assessment stresses use of comprehensive, holistic strategies. For literacy methods, systems theory emphasizes the holistic nature of the adult in relation to the complex web of systems. Systems theory applied to materials reflects the plurality of literacies and the need for a variety of materials. (SK)

Reports on a survey of Native Canadian adults (with limited reading skills but not currently in adult programs) about their perceptions of literacy. Discusses (1) purposes and values of literacy; (2) types of goals; (3) past barriers; (4) preferred learning environment (they preferred "watch then do" learning); and (5) current barriers.…

Offers (1) a teaching strategy using contemporary music themes to increase adolescents' confidence and reading fluency; and (2) a brief description of four literacy programs from around the world which were UNESCO prize winners. (SR)

The issue of illiteracy in the workplace and the implications for restructuring, multiskilling, and training are discussed. Findings of a national survey, Literacy for Productivity: A Study of Adult Literacy in the Workplace, are also reported. A response supports the argument for implementation of literacy programs. (Contains five references.)…

A research study on the use of technology on Australian literacy programs for adults is reported. Questions were directed to administrators (e.g., objectives, outcomes) teachers (e.g., appropriateness, flexibility, portability), and adult learners (e.g., expectations, needs, feedback). The resulting rating scales were used for specific…

Misconceptions within Australian Technical and Further Education (TAFE) about Plain English (PE) are that PE involves sentence-by-sentence translation and simplification of the language and content of an existing text. Both misconceptions are refuted and PE is concluded to be basically about good communication. (Contains 12 references.) (LB)

A study of six women in an Australia literacy program at the Springvale Community Health Centre suggests that there are dangers in defining literacy needs in terms of economic productivity. Issues of self-worth and social support are also addressed. (Contains 19 references.) (LB)

Characterized the literacy skills of 402 randomly selected adult Medicaid enrollees to determine whether there was an association between literacy skills and health care costs. Each participant's health-care costs were reviewed, and their literacy skills were measured. Results show no significant relationship between literacy and health-care…