This research brief highlights findings from a qualitative study of the contextual factors that shape engagement in adult literacy education. Engagement is mental effort focused on learning and is a precondition to learning progress. Some researchers focus on engagement as a cognitive, or mental, process closely related to such things as…

The purpose of this study was to better understand what optimal computer technology integration looks like in adult basic skills education (ABSE). One question guided the research: How is computer technology integration best conceptualized and measured? The study used the Delphi method to map the construct of computer technology integration and…

The purpose of this study was to investigate how Canadian adult students collaboratively learn with peers in both formal and non-formal adult literacy programs. A multisite case study research design was used involving several local literacy organizations. Data collection occurred over a four-month period and focused on nine different program…

This book is an analytic and critical treatment of Paulo Freire's philosophy. Its two central theses are that Freire's thought is best understood as that of an educational practitioner and theorist and that the most fruitful interpretation of Freire comes from understanding him as a Catholic thinker. Chapter 1 situates Freire's lifelong work in…

The main themes of a broad interpretation of literacy are discussed in this digest, and examples of approaches to literacy education in use and resources are cited. The information presented is focused on native language literacy, but the themes, recommendations, and materials are relevant for adults of English as a Second Language. Specific…

In teaching introductory English as a second language to nonliterate adult refugees, the focus should initially be on oral skills. The literature on characteristics of recent Southeast Asian refugees and suggested curriculum strategies is reviewed in order to determine the appropriate curriculum and methods for this group. A curriculum for…

This book presents a range of strategies for adult literacy tutors and offers a wealth of practical advice on teaching spelling within the context of writing. Chapters 1-3 offer basic information on talking with the student about spelling, finding out how the student spells and helping the student to see himself/herself as a "good" speller, and…

Part I of this document contains materials that relate to the Screening Test for Adult Learning Difficulties (STALD). The test, other testing materials, and test administrator's sheets are provided as attachments. The test is aimed at screening adult learners individually to see whether characteristics common to adults with learning difficulties…

Three motivating factors are discussed as they relate to the adult illiterate: social-cultural forces; interests and needs; and methods, techniques, and devices. (MW)

THE PRONOUNS INTRODUCED IN LESSON 8 ARE REVIEWED THROUGH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. A DOUBLE QUESTION IS USED AND EXTENDED IN TWO SEPARATE FRAMES. THE FIRST QUESTION CONTAINS THE NEW WORD "WHO" AND IS SPOKEN BY A HELPER. AN EXAMPLE OF PRONOUN REVIEW IS "WHO IS THIS."--THE PICTURE DISPLAYS A THIN MAN IN A ROOM. "THIS IS THE…

THE INTRODUCTION OF PRONOUNS IS CONTINUED. "HIM" AND "HER" ALONG WITH THE POSSESSIVE "S" ARE INTRODUCED. THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE POSSESSIVE CASE, THE LESSON ALSO CONTRIBUTES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHARACTERS WHO APPEAR IN THIS AND EARLIER LESSONS. INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHARACTERS IS PRESENTED. FOR EXAMPLE,…

LESSON 7 BEGINS THE SECOND QUESTION AND ANSWER SEQUENCE IN THE FIRST UNIT. THE FUNCTION OF THIS SEQUENCE IS TO REVIEW ALL THE PREPOSITIONS INTRODUCED IN LESSON 6. THE NEW WORD "WHERE" IS INTRODUCED BY THE HELPER'S ASKING A QUESTION CONTAINING THE WORD "WHERE." THE STUDENT ANSWERS BY READING THE ANSWER UNDER THE PICTURE. THE…

THE LESSON INTRODUCES THE LAST POSSESSIVE PRONOUN FOR THIS UNIT, THE WORD "THEIR." THE POSSESSIVE CASE AND ALL THE POSSESSIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CHARACTER AND OBJECTS ARE THEN REVIEWED IN A QUESTION AND ANSWER SEQUENCE. THE WORD "WHOSE" IS CONTAINED IN SOME QUESTIONS. FINALLY, THE LESSON INTRODUCES "QUESTION" AND…

THE NAMES OF FOUR FOODS - CORN, MILK, BREAD, AND HAM - ARE INTRODUCED BY LINKING THEM WITH PICTURES. A NEW ARTICLE, "THIS," IS INTRODUCED. DISCRIMINATION IS DRAWN BETWEEN "THIS" AND "THE." A SEQUENCE TEACHES THE DIAGRAPH "TH." THE ARTICLE "A" AND THE VERB "ARE" ARE INTRODUCED. THE STUDENT…

THE NOUNS--TABLE, DOOR, ROOM, HOUSE, AND BED--ARE INTRODUCED BY PRESENTING THEM WITH APPROPRIATE PICTURES. THE RELATIONSHIP IS MADE STRONGER BY A DEMAND FOR RECOGNITION IN SITUATIONS WHERE NOUNS ARE COMPARED AND CONTRASTED TO PICTURES. "THE" AND "AND" ARE INTRODUCED BY VISUAL AND ORAL CUES FROM A HELPER. FURTHER DISCRIMINATION…