This study examined how poverty and residential mobility influence low-income adults' persistence in family literacy programs in Pennsylvania. Twelve out of 20 program directors reported that learners typically moved at least once a year. In five of these high-mobility programs moving was reported to significantly hinder persistence. Geographic…

This is a critical review of methodological issues in the evaluation of adult literacy education programs in the United States. It addresses the key research questions: What are the appropriate methods for evaluating these programs under given circumstances. It identifies 15 evaluation studies that are representative of a range of adult literacy…

Research and development on formative assessment has paid little attention to part-time adult basic education in informal community-based settings. A three-year project funded by the Nuffield Foundation, the National Research Development Centre for Adult Literacy and Numeracy, and the Quality Improvement Agency addresses that gap in vocational and…

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…

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)

Presentations in this meeting were "Progress of World Experimental Literacy Programme" and "Present Situation in Various Experimental Projects." Discussions of these presentations concerned: (1) analysis and revision of the Plans of Operation (choice of the sphere of action, quantitative targets, and the time schedule of the projects); (2) the…

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

Describes the experience of a 19-year-old learning disabled woman who enrolled in a literacy program. After one year, she enrolled in a community college and was able to make plans for her future. (JOW)

Based on research gathered from literacy projects that utilize computers, recommends that computers be used in adult literacy programs. Points out that computers provide privacy, feedback, individualization, a feeling of control, and flexibility. (ARH)

Highlights the need for occupational literacy programs and provides brief guidelines for reading specialists interested in helping to develop such programs. (Auth/ARH)

The emphasis on adult education in Nigeria is designed to eliminate illiteracy and to ensure development of adult Nigerians by making education a lifelong process. This paper focuses on the concept of adult physical education to promote understanding, ramifications, and rationale for use in adult programs. (JOW)

Volunteer participation in adult literacy programs can be encouraged by (1) stressing the goals of helping individuals and long-term social value, (2) gearing expectations to students' abilities and progress, (3) emphasizing pragmatic methods to achieve students' goals, (4) stressing teaching methods adapted from daily interaction, and (5)…

Indicates that the felt literacy needs of prisoners and affective characteristics should be of primary concern in literacy programs. Contends that qualitative methods such as interviews are more effective means of needs assessment than standardized tests. (SK)

Evaluates the efforts to achieve a common or single definition of adult literacy in the United States. The article describes the current understandings of literacy as reported in the professional literature, focuses on the feasibility of establishing a common definition of adult literacy in America, and explores the normative aspects of the issue.…