Compares and contrasts the goals and methods of community-oriented and individually oriented adult literacy programs to identify the ideological and methodological stances within each. Points out limitations of the distinction between the two and suggests ways that literacy educators can move beyond these limitations. (JOW)

This article describes how the practitioners in one small adult literacy program selected particular research findings upon which to establish a core of instructional tenets. It discusses the teacher's need for such a core, useful research, and principles for adult literacy instruction. (CT)

Presents three tenets from the research for adult literacy instruction: (1) improvement in one literacy skill should mirror improvement in others; (2) instructors should facilitate, not control, learning; and (3) students should be able to transfer classroom learning to their daily language encounters. Includes ideas for application. (CH)

Argues that the nature and the readability of instructional materials may be an unsuspected barrier to progress for adult illiterates who receive instruction from volunteer literacy organizations. Considers the reading series of several national organizations. (CH)

Discusses barriers to self-direction in the adult learner and their implications for the program of reading instruction. Recommends methods by which these barriers can be surmounted. (NRJ)

The author discusses current uses of computers in adult basic skills instruction. Compares three primary systems available for purchase in adult literacy instruction: (1) Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations (PLATO), (2) Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC), and (3) Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS). Presents…

The authors review current practices in writing instruction in adult literacy classes. They observe that students spend little time writing. Innovative teaching activities are mentioned. They discuss goals of writing instruction and how to adapt present practices to meet the writing requirements of the General Educational Development Test. (CH)

The purpose of this document is to provide a step-by-step outline of the language experience approach. It first explains this technique for teaching both words and sentences to beginning readers. Steps are outlined first for teaching words, then for teaching sentences. What to do and what to say is suggested for each step. Teaching words includes…

Because reading is first and foremost a language comprehension process focusing on the visual form of spoken language, such teaching strategies as language experience and assisted reading have much to offer beginning readers. These techniques have been slow to become accepted by many adult literacy instructors; however, the two strategies,…