The rationale for publishing adult literacy learners' work can involve disrupting existing power relations and giving voice to the marginalized. How work is published can also be an opportunity to alter the balance of power; for example, by having learners be the publishers, editors, and so on. (SK)

Looks at the increasing rate of illiteracy in developing countries and the role of family literacy programs in combating the trend. Describes family literacy programs as different from traditional literacy programs in that they are designed to maximize the probability that adults will succeed in transferring their new beliefs, attitudes,…

Fostering storytelling in adult literacy programs helps learners build confidence, gain experience in using literacy skills, and encourages a sense of community. (SK)

Reports on a survey of two groups of prison inmate-students and tutors about their reading, past and present, and to what factors they attribute their current reading levels. Finds that reading-proficient inmates see reading as having a purpose, whereas those who did not develop reading proficiency may have been influenced by physical or…

It is argued that there are particular kinds of literacies, each defined by its own characteristic format, style, and context of use. The significant question for the future is not "How literate?" but "Literate how?" (13 references) (LB)

Two articles are referenced that note the importance of understanding the contradictions underlying literacy program policies and practices. They underscore the importance of ethnographic research as a means of informing policy. Implications are discussed. (Contains 21 references.) (Author/LB)

Critical thinking is examined as a set of skills and a means for social change. It is presented as not just higher order thinking but also a search for the social, historical, and political roots of conventional knowledge and an orientation to transform learning and society. (Contains 15 references.) (LB)

In a 6-week program, 19 parents were taught to teach their children the alphabet and phonics, empowering these socially and economically disadvantaged adults to be partners in their children's education. (SK)

Details the design and implementation of a rolling review process for community-based adult literacy programs. Describes four steps: documentation to become "review ready," collection of feedback from participants and key informants, site visit by reviewers, and use of the evaluation report as a planning tool. (SK)

According to natural-language theory, reading and writing are learned from whole to part, in meaningful contexts. Strategies based on this theory for literacy tutors to use include Characteristics of Good Readers; Apperceptive Interactive Method; Prime-O-Tec (repeated readings); Knows, Wants, Learned, Confused; and List It and Skip It. (SK)

Draws on metaphors of literacy and literacy learning in a small case study of a learner and his teacher. Examines the personal transformation of the learner as he takes his place in his newly-literate world. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education) (Author/VWL)

Describes Paulo Freire's influence on adult literacy education in Latin America and gives examples of the practice of his ideas in Scotland, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. Examines the co-option of Freire's work by mainstream adult educators. (SK)

Reviews the research related to the definition of "literacy" and the comparability of various reading media and their implications for vocational assessment of literacy skills with visually impaired adults. It suggests that the characteristics of literacy, the media, and of the working methods used in criterion situations affect the content…

A reading proficiency test administered to 200 adult learners in India resulted in an average score of only 38%. Gender, caste, income, and occupation were significant factors in the level of reading proficiency. (SK)

Examines the construct and action validity of the use of simple checklists to assess the declarative knowledge component of adult's literacy by telephone. Finds significant relationships among knowledge when assessed either by listening (telephone) or by reading (mailed questionnaire) modality. Concludes that the telephone method may provide a…