In addition to the familiar problem of functional illiteracy (the inability of adults to read at a basic level) another distrubing problem is becoming apparent--aliteracy. Increasing numbers of capable readers are choosing not to read. This problem is indicated by a 1969 survey that found that 58% of United States adults have never finished a…

The purpose of this instructor training course manual is to prepare people to be effective instructors of oral English as a second language to illiterate adults of Indian ancestry who are taking, or preparing to take, a basic literacy course. The contents include: "Introduction," which looks at program objectives, a model of the course, terminal…

Traditional literacy and functional literacy programs in Africa are discussed in their various aspects. Emphasis is given to the practical side of the problems, and some guidelines for action are suggested. The illiteracy rate in Africa is shown to be 50% to 80% of the population. The various methods that have been used to teach reading are…

In these publications of the National Reading Center, several organizations which aid illiterate adults in learning reading skills are described. The purpose, clients, activities, and programs are discussed for the National Association for Public Continuing and Adult Education (NAPCAE), American Library Association - Adult Service Division, Adult…

This paper describes the Adult Performance Level (APL) project, an alternative to external high school diplomas such as the General Educational Development (GED) test. Based on the need for "functional literacy" or "functional competency," the program teaches basic skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening, communication,…

A major objective of agricultural extension programs is the education of the farmer through literacy training or functional literacy programs. Functional literacy, understood as a process in which adults learn to learn, would enable farmers to participate in the process of agricultural development. (EC)

The British Minister of State for Education discusses the value of and some encouraging developments in adult education: establishment of an advisory council, the adult literacy program, university residential and extension programs, academic credits and transfers, and the importance of technology as an educational aid. (MF)

An analysis of job reading requirements indicates that most job reading is reading-to-do, while job training programs require reading-to-learn tasks also. (MKM)

Britain's three-year literacy effort has brought together the federal government, a national broadcasting network, and the voluntary sector in a program that pioneered new methods of teaching basic literacy. Volunteer tutors are used in an educational television venture sponsored by the BBC and the newly-created Adult Literacy Resource Agency.…

The author, an adult educator, evaluates the Tanzanian literacy campaign in terms of the personal and qualitative effects of literacy on eight representative new literates through the participants' own perceptions, using the anthropocentric approach based on the dialog method. (MF)

Results of two experiments investigating phonological skills of illiterate, unschooled adults and formerly illiterate, unschooled adults from shantytowns in Portugal suggest that learning to read, though not strictly necessary, plays a decisive role in the development of the ability of many individuals to focus on phonological length of…

Evaluates the outlook for adult literacy during the ongoing international economic crisis. Describes liberal, conservative, and socialist views on relationships among education, poverty, and governmental policies. Examines the piecemeal approach in the United States, mass campaigns in Vietnam, and limited target group efforts in Brazil. Includes…

The author discusses current uses of computers in adult basic skills instruction. Compares three primary systems available for purchase in adult literacy instruction: (1) Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations (PLATO), (2) Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC), and (3) Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS). Presents…

Offers overview of reasons why libraries may choose to begin volunteer literacy program in their communities and the design and evaluation methodology that will enable them to make successful evaluation of programs. Highlights include soul-searching questions, planning guidelines and suggestions, and delineation of responsibilities (library staff,…

This study examined intake records from 114 students enrolled in literacy training. Several variables obtained at intake were found to be related to persistence. Dropouts tended to (1) be young and Hispanic, (2) not be seeking high school equivalency certification, (3) be unemployed but available for work, and (4) have other illiterate family…