The term "illiterate" that is commonly used to describe someone who cannot read or write is an absolute term, which fails to recognize that those who are deemed "illiterate" are probably in fact "literate" to some degree. The approach taken to define and measure literacy in the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) acknowledges the limitation…

Literacy is a human right unequally distributed among the world's population. Despite global efforts to fight illiteracy, high illiteracy rates continue to jeopardize access for many to basic schooling, life-long learning, health, and environment safety. Illiteracy also hinders the economic prosperity of the poorest societies in this digital age.…

Homework is assigned on the assumption that parents or other elder members have the capacity to assist the pupils and that home environment is conducive for the pupil to do homework. A cross-sectional survey using structured and semi-structured interviews was conducted among pupils and parents in Kengeleni division in Mombasa district to explore…

Beyond 3Rs to learning within political action to functional literacy to life skills, the discourse on adult literacy has primarily been defined by civil society organizations. This article presents thoughts on adult literacy programs coming from educators and advocates and the underlying dilemmas of autonomy and collaboration with government for…

This guide suggests a number of activities that can be undertaken to prepare for and take part in the International Literacy Year (ILY). It is directed to groups such as national ILY organizing committees; local, national, regional and international non-governmental organizations; Unesco clubs and associations; institutions participating in the…

The United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's goal of achieving 100 percent international literacy by the year 2000 led the United Nations General assembly to proclaim 1990 as International Literacy Year. This proclamation was linked to the formulation of a plan of action to assist member states in all regions of the world…

This manual is designed to provide materials to help state and local bar associations become involved with the literacy issue. Chapter 1 provides an overview of illiteracy as a very serious problem. Chapter 2 describes major public and private efforts to combat illiteracy. Chapter 3 explains why the bar associations should be involved. Chapter 4…

Richard Mitchell, the "Underground Grammarian," has been dismissed by many in the academic community as a pop-culture grammar-basher. This is unfortunate, since Mitchell has linked literacy to the capacity for moral behavior. This connection between moral capacity and literacy is often avoided by the way in which literacy is defined. In…

This brief critique points to issues and questions in Paulo Freire's work which attempts to construct methodologies for subverting vicious circles which create and maintain conditions of poverty and illiteracy. (Author/PG)

A review of recent UNESCO statistics on world illiteracy, current strategies in literacy work, the author's ideas on eclectic integrated strategy versus a single policy for functional literacy, and suggestions for possible Commonwealth action are covered in this paper which was presented to a Commonwealth adult education seminar. (EA)

Discusses a study of the abilities of literates and adult nonreaders to recall and use information from a national network television news program. (JMF)

Presents arguments for spelling reform, addresses various objections which are made against it, and briefly notes a method of reform called SR1, as it is used in Australia. (TA)

Presents a brief biography of Martin Luther, focusing on his work as a reformer of education. Discusses what is known of his childhood, his life in an Augustinian monastery, his posting of the 95 theses against the sale of indulgences and other abuses of the Catholic Church, and his call for universal compulsory schooling. (CT)

The author states that public policymakers and the nation's leadership, including business and industry, will need to throw their influence behind any effort made to promote literacy leadership at all levels by broadening the educational enterprise. (CT)

Discusses the interactive nature of adult illiteracy and emotional maladjustment. Specific emphasis is placed on describing a series of psychological barriers to learning: ambivalence about success; fear of risk taking; overdependence on authority figures; tension; defensive dominance; and intrusive memories of poor learning experiences. A group…