Presents public policy issues that affect literacy among women. Discusses the economic jeopardy cycle of illiteracy, increased labor force participation of women, and family needs as factors which compel advocacy for programs aimed at increasing female literacy levels. Examines the illiteracy rate among women and its effect on employment. Includes…

Mass illiteracy is recognized by many Nigerians as a debilitating malady that must be addressed if the nation is to make developmental headway. The Mass Literacy Campaign, launched to attempt to reduce illiteracy, has not made a significant impact because of poor planning, poor funding, poor programs, and inadequate staff. (JOW)

Discusses a literacy research project that aims to produce a critical review of existing policy-related knowledge about adult literacy and illiteracy. Reports on the major themes of this review. (JOW)

Remarks on recent articles and books regarding literacy and reading in America. (SR)

Problem-posing is a tool for developing and strengthening critical thinking skills. It is an inductive questioning process that structures dialog in the classroom. Five steps include describing the content, defining the problem, personalizing it, discussing it, and discussing alternatives. (Author/JOW)

Describes "Talking Drawings," a strategy translating mental images into simple drawings, which helps students at all levels bridge the gap to better comprehension and learning.(SR)

Advocates looking around and discovering the real literacy exhibited in everyday activities. Describes the literacy observed at a laundromat. Finds that everyone there was literate in this situation, able to both follow directions and entertain themselves with reading. (SR)

Numeracy still lacks recognition in adult literacy, for a number of reasons: differences between the culture of academic research and adult numeracy, perceived difficulty of math as subject matter, lack of relevant research, and lack of a forum for adult numeracy issues. (SK)

Research findings are discussed that lead to a reassessment of popular perceptions about literacy and prisoners, particularly that the percentage of illiterate prisoners is higher than in the general population and that many prisoners are reluctant to participate in prison literacy programs. (Contains 24 references.) (LB)

A preliminary sketch is provided of some important issues in adult literacy education, based on the work of Paulo Freire and reactions to his theories. (Contains 12 references.) (LB)

Computer technology is not the be-all and end-all in adult literacy education. Although it will not solve all problems, using technology to its fullest potential can help students and teachers work smarter and "deeper." (JOW)

A national research project based at La Trobe University is discussed that focuses on how adults in diverse social groups "do" literacy in talking, reading, and writing. (31 references) (LB)

Family literacy models are as diverse as their participants. The best way to involve a student in literacy is to involve the parents in their own literacy. As a child's first teachers, parents are uniquely qualified to pass on a rich literary legacy through a shared literacy experience. The Parents and Literacy (PAL) program in Tucson, Arizona, is…

Discusses the National Literacy Mission (NLM) launched in 1988 in India. Notes the barriers to successful campaigns for literacy in India. Describes the reasons for the particularly successful campaign in the state of Kerala, including the fact that it was in every sense a people's campaign. (SR)

This review of "Push," a novel about a young single mother in a literacy education program, incorporates theoretical elements from Allan Quigley's "Rethinking Literacy Education." The review addresses issues of stereotypes, humanistic education, and advocacy and includes reflections on teaching philosophy in adult basic…