An study was conducted in an adult education center and a community school in Scotland to determine the perceived effectiveness of a range of methods for teaching English. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, observation of teaching, course documents, and informal conversations with 47 students and 2 teachers. Findings included the following: (1) teachers and students believed that the course objectives included passing the O-level exam, learning skills that could be transferred to everyday life, increasing powers of self-expression, and acquiring an appreciation of literature; (2) methods used in the classes included teacher-centered classwork, whole-class discussion, group work, and assessment of individual written work; (3) 60 percent of the students passed the examination; and (4) students' objectives were preparation for the exam, acquisition of writing and oral skills, expanding capabilities, and the social experience. (The document includes nine references and outlines for the two English courses.) (CML)