Argues that the definition of literacy given in the "Australian Language and Literacy Policy" (1991) has multiple and sometimes conflicting meanings for the teaching of English as a Second Language and adult literacy fields. Article suggests that it is appropriate to explore these different perspectives as a means of achieving progress…

Surveys the work accomplished in post-literacy in India as part of the National Literacy Mission. Argues that post-literacy has become an arena of struggle between individual and group goals. Uses interviews and discussions to explore this field. Outlines the concerns being voiced in India about adult literacy learning. (CAJ)

This article examines the ways in which newly-hired factory workers define literacy. In this study, employees responded to open-ended questions and narrated a story to illustrate on-the-job success. Findings indicate that workers defined literacy in both traditional--in terms of reading and writing--and non-traditional ways, such as…

Describes children's books available on CD-ROM that can be read using Apple Macintosh computers. Literacy problems with adults and children are discussed, the use of Discis books to encourage reading and improve understanding is described, first- and second-language learning is discussed, and a list of currently available titles is provided. (LRW)

Uses junk mail, newspaper advertisements, and other promotional material to overcome one teacher's lack of instructional material and to teach multilingual and multicultural teenagers and adults the basics of consumer advocacy and American civics. Notes that the students gained power through literacy that would not have been possible with…

Analysis of data collected from 200 Hispanic adults enrolled in large urban English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs identified four factors that serve as a basis for a tentative typology of low-literacy Hispanic adults' participation in ESL programs, including: (1) self/school incongruence; (2) low self-confidence; (3) lack of access to…

Reports the major findings of the Pedagogical Relations between Adult Literacy and Communication project, which examined the relationship between the fields of adult literacy education and communications. It was found that the knowledge each field has of the other is, overall, very limited and often erroneous. (six references) (MDM)

Focuses on some of the foundation texts of adult literacy teaching (ALT) and examines how the declared principles of ALT relate to the contemporary policy context within which ALT is located. Topics covered include the learner as an individual whose needs should determine the curriculum; the student-teacher power relationship; and student rights.…

Presents an overview of literacy awareness since the 1985 publication of Jonathan Kozol's "The Illiterate American." The need for a highly technological workforce is explored and suggestions are made for the role of libraries in literacy training. A list of sources for literacy materials is appended. (16 references) (EAM)

Describes the Weber State University/Standard Examiner family literacy project which addresses low level literacy skills in adults and preliteracy skills in children. Children and parents are separated for certain learning experiences then reunited for "Parent and Child Together" time. Other segments of the program are described. (SM)

Discusses (1) paired storytelling in an English-as-a-foreign-language setting; (2) a state survey of computer usage in adult literacy programs; (3) using cooperative learning in teaching content reading; (4) learning-disabled students and the SQ3R formula; and (5) five rules for making collaborative learning effective. (SR)

Advocates computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for developing emergent literacy skills of adult students. Discusses types of CAI formats that engage adults in holistic, concept-driven instruction. Describes specific software programs useful for adults functioning at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of reading proficiency. (SR)

Presents a historical survey of the official discourse on functional literacy in the industrialized countries on the basis of the reports of 20 seminars and international conferences linked to UNESCO. Underlines broad geopolitical tendencies of the literacy movement. Concludes with a typology of principal political tendencies. (42 citations) (VWC)

Considers why the use of story in literacy education is central to critical adult literacy practice, and examines both its potential and limitations. The use of story in the form of student-written and student-produced autobiographies in general, and one student's story in particular, is explored. The value of publishing learners' stories is…

Describes the theoretical framework and practical application of the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS). Concludes that the survey is based on an empirically-proven statistical construct that has been executed accurately with results that shed light on the relationship between functional literacy and national and individual well being.…