This document is a report of a panel discussion on literacy conducted at an adult education conference in Quebec (Canada). Panelists included Leona Grise, Brenda Lee, and Nicole Snaauw; Ann M. Gauvin was the moderator. The discussion centered on student recruitment, the dropout factor, and alternate methods of learning for individuals lacking sufficient basic skills. Points made include the following: (1) persons must attain a certain social status to want to improve their circumstances and to learn more; (2) social discrimination is a factor in student recruitment; and (3) education must be intertwined with the lives and social experiences of people. Panelists also noted that in order to learn how to prevent students from dropping out of literacy programs, it is necessary to understand why they are there. Some of their motivations for learning are escape from boredom, professional advancement, external expectations, and personal growth--and perhaps state financing of social assistance programs. A definition of literacy is suggested, and ideas for making literacy education more pleasant--such as by including literature and poetry--are presented. (8 references) (KC)