This paper examines the degree to which British adults participating in workplace literacy courses improved their reading comprehension skills, using longitudinal data which cover the period from enrolment until between two and three years later. Learners were tested using an instrument designed explicitly for adults, with two parallel forms. For…

Beginning with the premise that pleasure is a driving force in life, this article examines the relationships between pleasure, schooling and society across the past century. Through the examination of school texts, narratives, and histories of literacy instruction, a case is made that part of the move away from keeping pleasure at the heart of…

The Thackray Reading Readiness Profiles are the first original British reading readiness tests to be published and are the outcome of ten years of research in the field of reading readiness with British children. The profiles consist of three group measures and one individual measure, including vocabulary and concept development, auditory…

Examines two recent reports on special reading difficulties and standards of reading published by the Department of Education and Science in Great Britain. (TO)

Presents the results of a two-part survey conducted among reading teachers to determine the role of the remedial reading teacher. (RB)

Discusses the use of the Moon system, an English embossed reading method, with visually handicapped individuals. Reports advantages of the system, such as its roman character familiarity for those once able to see and the availability of Moon books and materials. Concludes that the Moon system is an important alternative to braille. (PHR)

Reviews the literature on reading research published in Britain during 1974. (RB)

This booklet reviews reading research that was reported in Great Britain during 1974. The introductory pages highlight research on reading standards and tests, dyslexia and specific reading difficulties, remedial reading instruction, and reading as it relates to language. Annotated items listed include reading research reported in articles or…

Examines the advantages and disadvantages of peer tutoring and Paired Reading, a program of structured pair-work between children with different reading abilities. Claims these methods have great potential for cooperative learning, and emphasizes that good organization by the teacher is essential. (MM)

Outlines preliminary findings from a small scale research project that monitored teachers' views of the literacy hour in its first year. Draws on questionnaires, interviews and video data to reveal issues which concerned those teachers taking part in the survey. Provides a snapshot of what it was like for some teachers coping with this initiative.…

This paper analyzes representation of females in reading texts for children. Two theoretical approaches are contrasted that focus on one particular critique of gender representation in school reading materials, and a detailed, gender analysis is presented of "Story Chest," a graded reader, used in England since 1972 after successful use…

A case of home visiting in one school to increase the involvement of parents of five- to eight-year-olds in the teaching of reading is reported. Three kinds of visit are identified: preliminary, consultative, and special visits. The function of visiting is discussed; implications for practice are explored. (Author/CH)