Discussion of adult literacy and the role of public libraries focuses on the development of Adult Learning Centers based on experiences at the Hempstead Public Library (New York). The use of self-guided computer-assisted instruction is explained, and benefits are described. (LRW)

Observation of an adult literacy class and participant interviews yielded data about the teaching context, session organization, types of teacher questions, patterns of questioning, and student perceptions. Analysis using critical theory concluded that teachers may aim to establish democratic processes, but practical questioning strategies may…

Discusses the use of interactive multimedia as an effective learning environment for adults with poor reading skills. Guidelines for designing basic skills and technical training multimedia programs are suggested, including simple computer navigation, the careful use of text, and appropriate audio and visual aids. (LRW)

Explores the relationship between participation in a Canadian urban adult literacy programs and employment status over three years. Finds that most participants returned to the same sort of low-paying jobs. Suggests that agencies and groups providing financial support for such programs reconsider the strong focus on employment that permeates these…

Discusses globalization and diversification within four language issues for adult literacy: (1) the spread of a small number of world languages, (2) development of the varieties of language, (3) choice of language for education and official life, and (4) disappearing languages. (JP)

Illiterate immigrant adults (n=14) in France were assessed on ability to master three metalinguistic tasks: judgment of phonological length of words, initial consonant deletion, and lexical segmentation of sentences. Performance of illiterates and partial illiterates dramatically improved after training which involved corrective feedback and…

Discussion of synthesized speech and voice recognition focuses on a forum that addressed the potential for speech technologies in libraries. Topics discussed by three contributors include possible library applications in technical processing, book receipt, circulation control, and database access; use by disabled and illiterate users; and problems…

Universities can play a role in resolving the problems of functionally illiterate adults, which have reduced human capital and economic production. One university's adult competency initiative provided classes and tutoring for its employees and community members, supporting its mission to apply knowledge in the real world. (SK)

Provides a brief summary of whole-language theory and offers suggestions for its application in adult education settings. Maintains that when instructional techniques rooted in whole-language theory are used with adult beginning readers, learning is more meaningful and success can be dramatic. (SR)

When children of literate elite need help, their parents can furnish what school has missed. When children of print poor need help, they have nowhere to turn. To break the illiteracy cycle, schools must help parents understand how to help their children at home. Sidebars describe the Megaskills program and show how teachers can foster family…

Two articles on English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) literacy are reviewed regarding the role of the teacher. One emphasizes a North American context with well-trained and experienced teachers; the other, a context whereby learners delineate their literacy use and teachers may be less experienced. An account of Chinese literacy training is reported.…

Addresses the theme of family and workplace literacy by presenting reviews of eight books. Begins with materials teachers may find useful to share with parents and then moves on to books that can provide a broader understanding of literacy in general, especially workplace literacy. (RS)

Australian governmental bodies as well as professional associations have published reports and guidelines on teacher competence in adult literacy and English as a Second Language. The profession itself needs to make explicit its values and ethics and describe itself in a way that promotes good practice. (SK)

This case study of an adult with developmental disabilities and no educational history reports on the successful literacy tutoring method used, which entails echo reading of brief passages and moving from holistic recognition of print to analysis of decoding and spelling. This approach contrasts with methods that first use small units of…

Examines the need for accountability in language planning in multilingual contexts in the Southern Countries. Provides a brief overview of language diversity in the South, considers how world trends of increasing democratization and strengthening of minority rights are generating calls for greater accountability and language rights, and looks at…