Combining video and other visual aids with a work of fiction shows promise in interesting adult students not only in a particular novel but in other works of fiction. Creative teachers can use such materials to excite adult learners about fiction and reintroduce them to a pleasurable and personal aspect of literacy. (Author/JOW)

Misconceptions include the following: (1) literacy changes the way people think; (2) illiteracy will soon be eradicated; (3) U.S. literacy is far worse than elsewhere; (4) U.S. government has made major investments in literacy; (5) increased public awareness has led to significant improvements; and (6) better applications of technology will solve…

The field of adult literacy and English as a Second Language would benefit from open debate on the issues surrounding professionalization. Such discussion would explore what being a profession means and the potential effects of economic rationalization, market forces, policy emphasis on job training, and the traditions of the field. (SK)

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)

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)

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.…

Discusses the formulation of a global strategy for the eradication of adult illiteracy. The strategy must involve the definition and discussion of options available to policy makers and the promotion of research that clarifies policy choices and planning decisions. (JOW)

Describes the development of a program portfolio to document and evaluate the accomplishments of an adult literacy program as a whole--program staff as well as students. Offers suggestions for those who want to use portfolios in program evaluations. (JOW)

Identification of the appropriate target population for literacy services requires systematic analysis of needs conducted through contact with local resource people and agencies. Sharing the results with community organizations could be a way of raising community consciousness about literacy needs. (SK)

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)

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)