NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
ERIC Number: ED335486
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1990-Jul
Pages: 49
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: ISBN-07305-7827-5
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Learning Experience. Perspectives of Former Participants from Two Adult Literacy Programmes.
Black, Stephen; Sim, Susan
Views of former adult literacy students about their learning experience were ascertained in a study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 68 former students from 2 adult literacy programs in the Inner West of Sydney (Australia). A literature review focused on the following topics: characteristics of adult basic education (ABE) students; reasons for participating in ABE programs; program outcomes; articulation; and reasons for leaving ABE. Approximately half the interview sample gave employment-related reasons for participating in adult literacy classes. Participants expected a school-like environment. Respondents' feelings about the learning experience were affected by the following factors: teacher-student relationship; student relationships; changes in teachers; class size; lesson content; and approaches to teaching. Not all participants were happy with their learning experience, but they almost unanimously claimed to have achieved positive outcomes from participating. Both classroom-related and nonclassroom reasons for leaving were reported. Suggestions for improvement focused on ABE program structure or curriculum type issues. Major study findings included: (1) positive outcomes repored by participants; (2) the discrepancy between expectations and the reality of ABE programs; and (3) the disparate range of students' ability levels and needs. (Appendixes include enrollment statistics, an interview guide, and 55 references.) (YLB)
Adult Literacy Information Office, 199 Regent Street, Redfern, Australia 2016 (free).
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Australian Dept. of Employment, Education and Training, Canberra.
Authoring Institution: Florida Senate, Tallahassee. Committee on Education.
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A