Describes the Soviet Union's success in eradicating illiteracy and the role that adult education made in that effort. Elimination of illiteracy began in 1919 and was achieved by 1959, when 99.3 percent of males and 97.3 percent of females between the ages of 9 and 49 were literate. (JOW)

The author suggests that the specification of common literacy demands that are valid on the societal level, that is, which are applicable and meaningful to diverse adults living in diverse environments, is an impossible task. He further suggests that the development of a valid and uniform national curriculum for functional literacy is equally…

Based on an Australian study, this article notes that people with hearing disabilities are not homogeneous and suggests several language-learning options to be considered by service providers. Contains 24 references. (LB)

Recounts the history and context of the adult literacy movement in Ethiopia. Looks at delivery systems, curriculum and program development, teaching methods, teacher training and recruitment, achievements, funding, evaluation, and policies. Suggests that, since social change is always difficult and Ethiopia has undergone many hardships, the…

This Brief first summarizes research findings regarding computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and its effectiveness in adult literacy education programs. The following findings are given: CAI is effective for a significant number of adult learners; CAI is effective because it provides the adult learner with flexibility, control, individualization,…

Describes how, by understanding the political dimensions of reading, Paulo Freire developed materials that enabled adults to learn to read in 30 to 40 hours; this article is based primarily on Paulo Freire's "Education for Critical Consciousness," Seabury, 1973. (Author/JM)

Describes the Chinese effort to eliminate adult illiteracy. The author discusses purposes of adult education, history of adult literacy education, adult illiteracy statistics, the design of literacy education, curriculum construction, teaching methods, evaluation of the literacy education process, impact of literacy education, and implications of…

Presents an overview of the problem of adult illiteracy and discusses what it means to be literate. Offers considerations pertaining to the teaching of literacy and of how technology might be used to facilitate this teaching. Concludes with recommendations about how to exploit the possibilities of technology in literacy education. (FL)

Discusses the rationale for integrating writing in beginning literacy instruction, describes several successful writing activities, and includes recommendations for adult literacy educators. (AEA)

This book is a biography of Cora Wilson Stewart, a Rowan County, Kentucky, school superintendent who rose to prominence with the establishment of the Moonlight Schools for adults with low literacy levels in 1911. It presents the details of her Kentucky crusade against illiteracy, then examines the personal part of her life as well as her later…

The teaching of writing, an important element in reading instruction, is undervalued in literacy programs. Writing instruction must deal with negative attitudes, lack of self-confidence, and "writers block," as well as with mechanics. Many writing techniques can improve reading comprehension as well. They are essential to both tutorial or…

Suggests that the teaching of reading and writing to adults is difficult but not impossible, especially with a carefully planned and executed program; outlines four sequential stages of such a program. (JM)

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 document consists of the six issues of "NCLEnotes", the newsletter of the National Clearinghouse on ESL (English as a Second Language) Literacy Education (an adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse) published during the three-year period 1991-1993. Major articles in these issues include: "Issues in Literacy Education"; "The…