Reports on a survey of adult literacy programs in the United States, focussing on the issues of student recruitment and retention. Suggests that personal sources are better than non-personal for recruitment, and that extrinsic motivation and a pleasant social environment are factors that can prevent attrition. (ARH)

Presents a critical review of the research on the effectiveness of adult literacy programs. Suggests that the methods used in current literacy programs offer students little chance of significant improvement. (ARH)

Suggests effective means of integrating computers into adult literacy education using commercial word-processing and data base programs including teacher-student interaction. Points out that activities used in most "reading software" are not consistent with the cognitive view of comprehension. (Auth/ARH)

Points to the importance of teaching job literacy. Outlines a method (which was successfully employed in the military) of analyzing job demands, and then constructing and using effective literacy materials. (ARH)

Contains an analysis of prevailing practices in adult literacy volunteer programs. Considers selected research, literature, and programs, mostly from the context of the burgeoning emphasis on literacy voluntarism in the United States. Neglected questions of policy and practice are raised. (Author/CH)

There are an estimated 23 million functionally illiterate adults through the country; 30 million more have such limited proficiency that they are only marginally capable of being productive workers. The proportion of undereducated Appalachian adults is estimated to be substantially higher. Literacy programs offer hope, but are usually underfunded.…

In exploring the relationship between ethics and adult literacy education, some of the major ethical principles of John Dewey are discussed. The actions of adult educators such as Myles Horton are used to demonstrate these principles. Finally, implications are suggested for ways these principles affect adult literacy programs. (Author)

In lieu of literacy programs based on teacher-as-parent, student-as-child relationships or student/teacher partnerships, the authors propose (1) developing an adult/adult learning environment, (2) using a psycholinguistic model of the reading process, and (3) using a cognitive-discovery model of the writing process. (SK)

Discusses the needs of women who are returning to school for adult basic education. Provides suggestions for meeting the needs of this group in terms of professional action, counselor education, teacher training, grants, financial support, publication, and volunteerism. (JAC)

Apparent reading deficiencies among entering workers, combined with increasing demands for highly skilled workers, have led business and industry to increase their training and education efforts. One aspect of this effort requires understanding the reading demands people in various occupations are likely to encounter. This study examines the…

Examines factors contributing to the lack of effective literacy programs for adults. (FL)

Addresses the problem of why the millions of hard-core illiterate American adults are not being reached by adult basic education programs. Three factors are cited as frequent reasons for nonparticipation: (1) age, (2) satisfaction with present situation, and (3) poverty. (JOW)

In December 1995, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) and Statistics Canada jointly published the results of the first International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS). For this survey, representative samples of adults aged 16 to 65 were interviewed and tested in their homes in Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands,…

Describes one teacher's approach to teaching adults fundamental English language skills enabling them to pass the English "O" level exam. (TO)