Although the exact prevalence is not determined, a noticeable subset of individuals who enroll in adult education and training programs have either diagnosed or undiagnosed specific learning disabilities (SLD). Understanding SLD is important basic information for adult educators to inform program policies as well as determine effective…

This tenth edition of the best-selling book teaches reading using sounds and spelling patterns. These sounds and patterns are introduced one at a time, and slowly built into words, syllables, phrases, and sentences. Simple step-by-step directions begin every lesson. Although originally designed for K-2 emergent readers, this award-winning book is…

From 1999 to 2005, the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) did an annual review and synthesis of adult literacy research. This did not continue due to reallocation of federal education funds. To fill a portion of the gap left by NCSALL's departure, this adult literacy literature review analyzes and synthesizes the…

This study of 311 adult education learners found 29% self-reported having a specific learning disability (SLD). Significant differences in demographic, academic, and life experience variables between the adult learners with and without SLD included prior participation in special education, having both an SLD diagnosis and a high school diploma,…

The learning difficulties of 23 adults were investigated in order to determine ways to better serve their literacy needs. These adults were all living in poverty, had less than eighth-grade literacy levels, and had failed to graduate from high school. The participants' records were examined and structured interviews were conducted with them; also,…

This article examines five factors which appear to contribute to learning disabilities among adult basic education (ABE) learners. While the research literature does not provide a comprehensive basis for describing how the disadvantaged learn, it does lead the authors to make eight helpful suggestions for the ABE teacher. (JDS)

This publication lists 29 suggestions for ways in which practitioners can develop self-esteem in adults with learning disabilities. It defines self-esteem and discusses the benefits of fostering an individual's sense of self-esteem. Incorporation of these suggestions into the learning situation is recommended as a way to help establish an…

This publication lists teaching techniques that have been suggested as effective with adults who have suspected or diagnosed learning disabilities. The list is not all inclusive, but it does provide suggestions for techniques and methods that may be useful in teaching adult learners. The techniques are grouped into four categories: (1) to improve…

A study compared the effectiveness of the multisensory and auditory teaching methods on the promotion of memory among adults with learning problems. Subjects were 10 adult learners with learning problems, aged 19-31, from an adult basic education program in a large urban area. Two lists of nouns were prepared, each containing 10 words. The lists…

Adult education is an umbrella concept under which come various dimensions, including adult literacy, adult basic education, continued education, continued professional education, and adult vocational education. To be effective, an adult educator must realize that: (1) adults learn differently than children do; (2) adult education must develop…

These four newsletters focus on issues related to adult basic education and the challenges faced when teaching adult learners. The first issue looks at the characteristics of learning disabilities, providing information to help teachers determine whether a learner has a learning disability and who might be appropriately referred for testing. The…

This report describes a project to develop a tutor training model for teaching adults who manifested signs of learning disabilities. A needs assessment was done by surveying previously trained tutors. Existing adult literacy materials and instructional materials specifically developed for individuals with learning disabilities were reviewed and…

This paper attempts to provide information in response to the needs of educators of adults with learning problems. For the adult education teacher, information is offered on the nature of learning, information processing, problems that can be diagnosed, and strategies suitable for adults with learning problems. For the administrator, focus is…

In this paper, we examine the effects of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on adult at-risk learners in fundamental mathematics education. This examination includes comparing the results of adult learners experiencing learning with CAI with those who do not. Further, we explore and present viable teaching and learning strategies for at-risk…

A project was conducted to provide staff development workshops about adults with learning problems to agencies throughout Pennsylvania. Workshops and accompanying guides on nine topics ranging from understanding learning differences, problems, and disabilities to alternative instructional techniques were developed. Workshops were conducted…