Several studies have shown that repeated readings improve reading fluency and comprehension. (MKM)

Describes how pornographic books were used in a successful three-month program designed to teach 15 low-income adult males how to read. (DD)

Describes how the work of modern poets can expand adult learners' views of the uses of reading and writing and their own ability and specifically shows how the works of Carl Sandburg, Lucille Clifton, William Carlos Williams, and Langston Hughes can be used to teach adults to read. (SRT)

Reports on a study that probed the relative influence of text (including illustrations) and background knowledge upon child and adult novice readers' incorrect responses to comprehension questions. Found that novice readers use background knowledge more than textual information to answer comprehension questions. (ARH)

Impressive advances in literacy education have been witnessed in Saudi Arabia during the last 15 years. Massive growth of educational facilities has resulted in increased adult enrollment in literacy programs. Certain strategies--curriculum improvement, inservice training, and experimental programs--were adopted to improve the quality of literacy…

The relationship between locus of control and course completion in an adult basic education program was investigated. Instruction was individualized; each learner was tutored by an adult volunteer. Those learners who completed the program were significantly more internally controlled than those who did not complete the program. (Author/CT)

Describes the role of private teachers in colonial America, including evening schools and literacy education, costs of instruction, basic writing and arithmetic curriculum, evening schoolhouses, and schoolmasters' characteristics. Newspaper advertisements served as primary sources for the study. (SK)

A survey of teachers in a mandatory adult basic education (ABE) program in Kuwait showed that (1) cultural background of teachers had little impact; (2) there is little advanced curriculum planning; (3) ABE teachers and students disagree on the practical value of courses; and (4) most ABE teachers are isolated from Kuwaiti society. (Author/SK)

Discusses the problem of eradicating illiteracy in developing countries, where the illiteracy rate may average about 70 percent. Looks at the Arab countries, Latin America, Africa, and India and the factors that thwart attempts to increase literacy in those countries. These include religious habits and the problem of language in multilingual…

The concept of content area reading (CAR) is introduced and implications are drawn for the teaching of reading in adult literacy and basic education programs. Included are (1) a definition of the concept, (2) background of reading-related problems, (3) practical approaches to functional reading instruction, and (4) the relationship between CAR and…

Reviews literature on U.S. Office of Education-sponsored Adult Performance Level project that cites among its accomplishments (1) a model for competency-based education, (2) creation of national awareness of illiteracy, and (3) individualized programs. Among its insufficiencies are absence of reliable measures of validity, value-laden curriculum,…

Investigated the reading preferences of beginning readers in adult basic education (ABE) classes. Results indicated that ABE students want to read a variety of materials for a variety of reasons. Teachers should search for methods that will allow beginning readers to experience immediate success and joy in reading. (JOW)

Annotates 15 nonfiction books of interest to adults with fourth to tenth grade reading levels. Titles are arranged in five categories: biographies, self-development books, psychology, science, and education. (FL)

Teachers of adults must be aware of the significant differences between adults' and childrens' orientations to learning. (Author)

Although word lists have been proven statistically useful in teaching adults to read, the eleven percent of words which do not appear on these lists must also be introduced. (KS)