Research: Adult Literacy

Question: What works in efforts to achieve literacy with adults?

Answer/Quote: “The books remind us that short-term initiatives, whether they are campaigns, programs, research projects, or professional development, ultimately do not serve the long-term learning needs of adults. Rather, we need to cultivate an interest in literacy education as one prong of public policy that is dedicated to promoting human development over the long haul.” 95.

Comment: Well, I’m not sure what the last half of this quote means by “…one prong of public policy dedicated to promoting human development” when applied operationally. But the first half of the quote makes clear that the effects of short-term projects, etc., result in only short-lived success. I have to think about this problem. RayS.

Title: “Understanding Literacy Development ‘Lifelong and Life Wide.’” Rebecca Rogers. Reviews of three books: Laboring to Learn: Women’s Literacy and Poverty in the Post-Welfare Era. Lorna Rivera. 2008. Chicago: University of Illinois Press. Rebel Literacy: Cuba’s National Literacy Campaign and Critical Global Citizenship. Mark Abendroth. 2009. Duluth, MN: Litwin. Tracking Adult Literacy and Numeracy Skills: Findings from Longitudinal Research. Stephen Reder and John Bynner (Eds.).2008. New York: Routledge. Reading Research Quarterly (January/ February/ March 2011), 86-96.