Culturally derived barriers to participation--such as negative social-structural forces and culturally insensitive programs--hinder minority participation in literacy education. Effective programs empower learners to become critically reflective citizens aware of the structural forces affecting their lives while helping them acquire needed skills…

In order to give a draft picture of the church- and school-based literacy campaigns in Sweden, some of the historical sources, problems, methods, and preliminary results from a broad research project on the two campaigns are discussed. (IAH)

Eighty percent of New Mexico's 17 community college and vocational school CEOs responded to a survey revealing that they have different views on what constitutes remedial and developmental programs; and although these programs are considered compatible with the CEOs' educational philosophy, programs are not viewed on equal basis with other college…

Reviews twentieth century programs to enhance literacy outside the schools and describes the activities of a one-day literacy planning session by the Region V Library Cooperative--a not-for-profit multi-type library membership organization of academic, institutional, public school and special libraries. A list of additional readings is provided.…

Describes four models for providing literacy training to rural adults: self-instruction programs based in local libraries; job site training programs; one-to-one instruction programs utilizing volunteers; and mobile delivery systems. Reviews the results of field tests of the models in Kansas community colleges. (DMM)

A survey of 140 adults who were completing requirements for a high school diploma or upgrading their business or academic skills reported past and present barriers to participation in educational programs. In contrast to other research, attitudinal barriers such as lack of self-confidence and lack of previous education were reported more…

Two adults with severe mental retardation and profound hearing loss were given computer-based instruction in spelling. Positive results transferred to a retrieval task in which the participant wrote a list of objects displayed, selected the objects from a shelf, and returned the objects to the table. The role of stimulus class in fostering the…

An overview of adult basic education within six regions of Scotland compares the costs and benefits from different forms of provision including public, private, and voluntary organizations. A cost-benefit analysis of six case studies shows that a high cost per learner hour is necessary to achieve quality outputs. (KS)

After all had completed community college remedial reading courses, 47 General Educational Development graduates and 92 traditional high school graduates, all high risk, were compared. No significant differences appeared in grade point average, total credits, degree credits, retention rate, or average grade in English and health classes. (SK)

Examines the increased recognition of widespread adult illiteracy in industrialized countries; the origins of such recognition in voluntary bodies and advocacy groups; and the extent to which true adult-literacy policies have been developed. Compares adult-literacy efforts in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States with regard to…

Perceptions of 94 adult learners and 31 teachers regarding the nature and goals of literacy education revealed that adult learners tended to view literacy from a fundamental perspective, but entered programs for job-related (functional) reasons. On the other hand, teachers viewed literacy from a functional perspective, but presented programs that…

Describes a computer program for arithmetic in which the use of the operationalized cognitive apprenticeship methods was studied together with effects of modelling and coaching on student performance. Results showed that adult basic education students make little use of optional materials in a computer program. (Author/JKP)

Examines current Adult Basic Education teaching and assessment methods in the United Kingdom and the United States to help define what constitutes success in adult basic literacy tuition. (SR)

A November 1993 conference in Seattle, Washington, is recommended as a national model for initiating change in public policy as it impacts adult learning disability and literacy issues. Participants included a coalition of federal, state, and local policymakers and agencies as well as adults with learning disabilities and persons providing…

Traces the efforts of Nicaragua's Sandinista government to create a new education system consonant with the revolution's ideals of social justice. Describes educational policy goals; national literacy campaigns; nonformal adult basic education programs; and difficulties arising from poverty, U.S. opposition, and the contradictions of revolutionary…