Based on interviews in Cuba and publications generally unavailable in the U.S., author examines history and success of Cuban literacy campaign. Outlines logistical/pedagogical challenges; describes recruitment and training of volunteer teachers and development of instructional methods. Concludes with case studies illustrating application of Paulo…

A detailed history of the eradication of mass illiteracy in the Soviet Union is given, from the first stage (1917-1920) to the third stage (1933 to post-war); methods of recruitment and teaching are recounted, as well as national policy developments. Instructional materials are described, and statistical data are included. (AJ)

The solution to the problem of women's illiteracy in the Soviet East, where the religion was Islam and seclusion was traditional for women, was intimately linked with the struggle for women's liberation. Such obstacles as the lack of materials and teacher shortages, and the policies developed to overcome them, are described. (Author/AJ)

Explores government adult basic education (ABE) statistics in one fundamental area, the present level of illiteracy in the United States, concentrating particularly on changes in illiteracy levels during the 1960's. (WL)

A field experiment conducted to make a comparative study of two adult literacy primers indicated that if two comparable groups of adults are subjected to a literacy training course using the two different primers for an equal period of time, there is no significant difference between the literacy attainment level of the two groups. (TA)

Describes a case study involving the reading development of an adult nonreader (a woman in her early fifties) and discusses this growth in comparison with children beginning to read. Discusses the student's background and her literacy development and progress. Notes similarities and differences to children's learning. (SR)

Journal entries of disadvantaged students in a preadmission prep course illustrate the potential of such "personal" writing to perform a powerful cultural critique and bridge the gap between academic and personal discourses. A conflict appeared between literate practices students already used and those they were expected to adopt in academia. (SK)

The feasibility of tutor-based assessments in cognitive skills, functional literacy, and literacy-related self-confidence was studied through assessment batteries completed by 38 tutors from curriculum-based or learner-centered literacy programs for adults. It is recommended that such assessments be incorporated into tutor training workshops to…

The effectiveness of adult literacy education in Botswana is limited by centralization, lack of teacher and learner input, and the national literacy campaign's conventional rather than transformative approach. A critical approach that involves learners in planning, uses native languages, and enables teachers to select materials can better achieve…

Presents a last resort technique for teaching reading to adolescent and adult illiterates. (RS)

Notes that while a number of viewpoints about adult literacy assessment exist, no one perspective dominates the field. Argues that both standardized tests and competency-based assessment poorly serve the adult learner. Argues that assessment of the adult learner can be conducted on an informal, nonthreatening basis. (RS)

States that the study of world literacy experience illuminate literacy issues that are often sidelined or ignored in the United Kingdom. Discusses literacy and oral language, literacy and religion, and literacy and gender. (JOW)

Describes an Australian national study of technologies used for adult literacy: traditional technologies (print, radio, television, audio and videotape, teleconferencing, and computers) and new generation technologies (laser discs, CD-ROM, videodiscs, and hypermedia). (SK)

Examines the growth of recognition of adult illiteracy in Western Europe and North America since the early 1970s. Discusses the invisibility of the problem, types of illiteracy identified in schools, importance of literacy across the curriculum, links between illiteracy and poverty, and involvement of international organizations. Contains 36…

Techniques for using the whole language approach include read-aloud sessions, student story dictation, practice in using decoding skills, word banks, and exercises that stress the connection between reading and writing. The method considers individual needs and interests, offers relevance, and builds on adults' experiences. (SK)