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.…

Establishes the importance of context to reading and proposes the use of context support methods to make learning to read easy for the learner. (JL)

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)

Discusses the procedure and objectives of studies on adult instruction in Creole and the use of Creole in the primary grades. The complexity of the sociolinguistic situation, the extent of illiteracy, the state of the educational system, and implications of change in attitudes to both Creole and French are discussed. (AMH)

Five contributors separately discuss (1) a formula for describing the anticipatory process in reading; (2) a combined reading, writing, and comprehension exercise that proved popular with rehabilitation students; (3) an adult education project involving reports on recreational reading; (4) limitations of the Fry Readability Graph; and (5) a method…

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

The Basic Skills Learning System is a modularized network of computer assisted tutorials, drills, tests, printed materials, and videotaped presentations directed at improving the basic reading, math, and language skills of adults who have mastered these skills at a level above third grade but below the eighth. (Author)

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,…

A learning skills center was set up in Flint Hills Area Vocational-Technical School, Emporia, Kansas, to provide remedial instruction in basic skills leading to student success in the regular vocational program. Group instruction, individualized instruction, and multimedia aids are used to help the participants (high school students and adults)…

A model of the organizational dynamics of innovation in adult basic education (ABE) agencies was developed and tested wherein innovation was measured by a composite index of innovative instructional and administrative practices. It was concluded that organizational variables (size, differentiation of staff roles, reliance on professional…

Describes how a teacher achieved professional renewal through teaching adult education class in a federal prison. Notes that it may be easier to create hospitable space and a sense of community in an inmate classroom than in any other kind. (RS)

Examines knowledge, attitudes, and development requirements of adult basic education (ABE) and general equivalency diploma (GED) staff regarding students with learning disabilities. Reports that respondents generally held positive attitudes towards the learning disabled, but were not as knowledgeable about the learning disabled's legal rights.…

Describes a laser videodisc program which helps non-native English learners gain confidence and language skills in social contact or casual conversation situations by having them interact with a variety of "characters" at a backyard barbecue. Describes production problems and problems associated with making a workable interactive system.…

Discusses problems involved with surveying and assessing literacy rates in developing nations. Defines current debates over literacy measurement, classification, and surveying. Examines and questions current assumptions linking literacy policy and economic development. Describes models for surveying and measuring literacy and numeracy skill…

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.…