Describes the evolution and success of Scotland's Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, staffed with paid and volunteer tutors in literacy, numeracy, social, and other skills. Illustrates regional differences in ABE skill offerings, students, and staffs with examples from various areas. Stresses the underlying adaptability of ABE to student needs.…

Although adult basic education has been profoundly influenced by the concept of functional literacy, definition of this concept is clouded by false assumptions. From this critique of the economic approach to literacy emerges a new approach: locating literacy in its social context and relating it to information needs and access. (SK)

A study conducted in Northern Ireland discovered differences in cognitive processing between average adult readers and adult literacy students. (MKM)

Discusses the linguist's role in an adult education program and the need to define adult functional literacy. Describes communication problems with the many dialects and language variations in a multilingual country like India and explains that the linguist must help the literacy worker to integrate language and literacy with adult education. (MF)

The author examines the potentialities of bypassing literacy in efforts to bring education and development to Third World countries, concluding that literacy is essential for human and economic development. He cites various perspectives on literacy and development (232 references), and analyses alternative strategies for literacy campaigns,…

Twenty percent of all Soviet citizens have completed secondary and higher education through evening schools; among older people, the percentage is even higher. A detailed history is given of the development of varied and flexible forms of adult education in the Soviet Union, including policies, statistics, instructional methods, and sample…

Mixed results for U.S. adults on the First International Adult Literacy Survey reveal the worthlessness of posting international test scores without considering cultural, social, and economic contexts. In the Third International Mathematics and Science Study, U.S. eighth-graders' performance was average, but fourth-graders' results were…

According to the 1992 National Adult Literacy Survey, rural workers score somewhat lower than urban workers in ability to use written and quantitative materials. However, scores of rural and urban young adults are similar, reflecting recent improvements in rural education. Rural workers earn less than urban workers with similar literacy skills;…

This book chronicles how a group of migrant workers in Cobden, Illinois, developed their own hybrid writing system that used the Spanish alphabet to capture English speech sounds. The event illustrates Freirean ideas about literacy and power and offers lessons for improving English instruction. (TD)

Examines the question of illiteracy in the Caribbean relative to international trends in adult education. Identifies Jamaica's JAMAL literacy program and Grenada's Centre for Popular Education as the dominant influences on the development of adult education programs. Views strategic planning, as found in these programs, as a necessity for success.…

Discusses some of the problems associated with literacy in the United States. Reviews literature and trends related to semiliteracy, assessment, skilled readers, decoding difficulties, and comprehension difficulties. Considers several questions related to literacy and education. (CW)

A Canadian bilingual ESL program for Cambodians was taught by an experienced English-speaking ESL teacher and a Cambodian-speaking coteacher. Observations, interviews, and journal analysis showed that a bilingual monocultural format encouraged student participation and peer teaching and that second-language learning was facilitated by…

Relates that, in the past two decades, Paulo Friere's philosophy has gained adherents in Brazil and several other nations. Reviews Friere's methods of adult literacy education and identifies serious criticisms. Argues that, while the Freirean system is nondialogical and impositional, his literacy efforts were ultimately worthwhile. (CFR)

Introduces the standardized safety sign system being established in the United States. Argues that these safety signs, symbols, and warnings may be a good place to begin a workplace literacy project for workers with limited reading skills. (SR)