Advocates expanding the concept of classroom to include community outdoor laboratories. Presents research from John Dewey and Howard Gardner to support this viewpoint. (NB)

A learner-centered approach to adult group instruction involved learners in investigating 20th-century events. The approach allowed learners to concentrate on different activities according to their abilities and gave them opportunities to develop basic skills and practice teamwork. (SK)

Telephone interviews with 538 adults in San Diego assessed literacy with recognition tests in the form of yes/no checklists. Nearly one in five scored on the lowest level; of these, 41% had 12 or fewer years of education. This group read less and watched television more than those at level 5, and 70% were employed in clerical, skilled, or…

Vital Link is a British program that links national reading and literacy organizations with libraries. The focus is on how libraries can support and motivate existing learners while attracting new learners. (JOW)

Offers two views supporting the concept of tracking and another telling how one middle school teacher works around tracking. (MG)

Offering first-rate entrepreneurial skill development will require new program designs, increased options, and less focus on traditional structures. Entrepreneurship education should be offered as a career option and should be taught only to those who are intellectually, emotionally, and functionally ready. (JOW)

Explains how using computers allows adults to learn basic skills in new ways and to avoid reliving experiences with frustration, failure, and humiliation that they may have endured as children in school. Includes advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of computers in instruction. (JOW)

Argues that prewriting is the most important skill to emphasize and practice extensively in basic writing classes. Describes basic writers as almost universally neglecting prewriting activities. Suggests some guidelines for teaching prewriting effectively. (HB)

Today's employers desire a number of qualities in their workers: self-confidence, technical knowledge, positive attitude, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to learn. Also important are the various aspects of reliability: punctuality, attendance, commitment to excellence, and listening skills. (SK)

Key skills required in the total quality workplace are cross-functional teaming, interpreting charts/graphs, oral communication, brainstorming, understanding cause/effect, categorizing ideas, critical pathing, formulating suggestions, analyzing the needs of internal and external customers, and writing status reports. (SK)

Provides suggestions for designing customized basic skills instruction using work-related reading needs. Highlights opportunities for adult educators in workplace literacy. (SK)

Technology is allowing people with differing venues and schedules to meet and form powerful teams. To succeed, virtual teams must hold some synchronous, real-time meetings, follow a five-step continuous-improvement model, provide coaching and support, encourage face-to-face contact, and expect trial and experimentation. (MLH)

Countrystart is a class in which students work with plants and animals, providing numerous opportunities to integrate basic skills teaching. The practical subject area becomes the vehicle to develop other skills needed by students. (JOW)

The Adult Returners Key Skills project uses a series of teaching/learning packs to develop key skills (information technology, communications, numeracy, active citizenship). The packs help reentry students become aware of their existing abilities and prior learning experiences. (SK)

Survey responses from 186 of 250 trainers/human resource managers and a Delphi panel of 21 rated companies' basic skills training provisions and the importance of basic skills. Although most stated their companies provide basic skills training, results show most are reluctant to hire, train, or retain workers with low basic skills. (SK)