The ABC's of Adult Ed
By Lucy Roehrig -- Library Journal, 06/01/2010
According to the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy (nces.ed.gov/naal), it is estimated that 93 million adults in the United States have basic or below basic literacy skills. Those individuals found most lacking in literacy skills were adults living in poverty, adults lacking a high school diploma, seniors and the elderly aged 65 and older, the more than one million incarcerated adults, and foreign-born adults who came to this country at age 19 or older. The struggle to read and write greatly increases the difficulty of finding a job in today's tough market.
Statistics from the National Commission on Adult Literacy (www.nationalcommissiononadultliteracy.org) indicate that 80–90 million U.S. adults today—about half of the adult workforce—do not have the basic education and communication skills required to get, or advance in, jobs that pay a family-sustaining wage. Future job growth, according to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), will be in professional sectors that require postsecondary education or training, such as computer systems, health care, and social work. About 40 percent of job openings over the next decade will require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree, and the major decline will be in the manufacturing industries, where many of the adults with low to no literacy would otherwise be employed. The job outlook for people who can't read well is grim.
Attracting challenged readers
Libraries are an essential component in assisting adult basic education students, as well as in providing up-to-date materials to help them improve themselves. But adults who cannot read or struggle with reading are some of the hardest to reach for any library. Reasons may include pride, embarrassment at not being able to read or read well, or even a lack of understanding of how a library could help them. Therefore, working closely with the local literacy center or adult education department is an important step in introducing your library to this target group.
Some challenged readers may be intimidated by librarians and the library itself. Others may not perceive that illiteracy is a problem until they face a situation such as the loss of a job, the need to help their child with homework, or an emergency that makes them aware of this deficit in their education. Reaching out to local social service and employment agencies is another way to get your library recognized as a useful resource.
Libraries as learning environments
Creating a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for learning is especially important to bringing the adult basic education student and tutor into the library. Many libraries have a literacy center, either within their community or in the building; others offer on-site tutoring for adults, or at least space for tutors to meet with students. Family literacy programs are also quite popular within libraries and schools.
Consult the National Center for Family Literacy (www.famlit.org) for more information on starting a center in your area. If you are looking for a place that offers literacy assistance for any age group, go to the National Institute for Literacy's literacy directory (literacydirectory.org). Lastly, if you are interested in more information on professional materials and web sites about literacy, please see Paul Deane's “Literacy Defined” (LJ 9/1/04; bit.ly/cvN11g).
A collection primer for adult ed
Materials for this area do not go out-of-date often, but librarians should definitely discard old textbooks and outdated grammar books. Some staples for the low-level literacy student are picture dictionaries and easy readers. Audio recordings of companion texts read at a slower pace than normal can be very helpful. Dictionaries are well used in most libraries and should be weeded when worn and torn and when new editions are published.
Some publishers of note for adult basic education include Barron's, Cambridge University Press, Heinle & Heinle, McGraw-Hill, Macmillan, Oxford University Press, and Pearson Longman. For teachers or tutors who need instruction on teaching adult basic learners, New Readers Press (www.newreaderspress.com), the publishing arm of the literacy organization ProLiteracy, has several older but still well-regarded titles that can be ordered directly from New Readers. Good resources for reading primers for adults include Black Cat Publishing (www.blackcat-cideb.com), Cambridge English Readers (www.cambridge.org/elt/readers), Macmillan Readers (www.macmillanenglish.com/readers), and Oxford Bookworms (www.oup-bookworms.com/index.cfm). And don't forget to consider books authored by these experts in adult literacy: Betty Schrampfer Azar, Bill Bliss, Ann Gianola, Judy B. Gilbert, Sandra Heyer, Steve Molinsky, Raymond Murphy, Ed Swick, and Jean Yates.
Learning resources for the adult basic education patron overlap at times with those aimed at the English as a Second Language (ESL) student. So, although some books listed below may have ESL in the title, they are also appropriate for the adult basic education student whose first language is English. [For a fuller listing of ESL resources, see Bruce Jensen's “Accent on English: Tools for Learning,” LJ 8/02; bit.ly/c5sfPl.]
The scope
This selective bibliography features new and some still useful older books, audiovisual materials, periodicals, and websites, Owing to space limitations, beginning readers for adult learners are omitted. Since a growing percentage of jobs in the future will require some college education, it's vital for libraries to stock test prep guides for new and returning adult college students. Excellent selection tips can be found in J. Sara Paulk's “Crib Notes for Test Prep” (LJ 6/1/09; bit.ly/9UGWRj), but the following list also includes handbooks aimed at getting the adult student off to a successful college experience. Starred items are essential for all libraries.
For adult basic ed students
Azar, Betty Schrampfer.Fundamentals of English Grammar. 3d ed. 2002. 503p. ISBN 978-0-13-049447-4.
Azar, Betty Schrampfer & Stacy A. Hagen.Basic English Grammar. 3d ed. 2005. 536p. with audio CD. ISBN 978-0-13-184937-2.
Azar, Betty Schrampfer & Stacy A. Hagen.Understanding & Using English Grammar. 4th ed. 2009. 525p. with audio CD. ISBN 978-0-13-233331-3.
ea. vol: Pearson Longman. index. pap. $53.67.
Essential for any adult learning or ESL collection, these titles address basic, intermediate, and advanced grammar skills. A useful CD helps students achieve listening and writing mastery.
Barnhart, Cynthia A. & Robert K. Barnhart. Let's Read: A Linguistic Approach. 2d ed. Wayne State Univ. Jun. 2010. 544p. ISBN 978-0-8143-3455-3. pap. $24.95.
This classic 1961 text was developed by noted linguist Leonard Bloomfield, whose teaching method was to have the student decode the phonemic sound–letter correlations of the language in a sequential, logical progression of lessons based on spelling patterns. Revised and updated for the 21st century with a more attractive layout.
Blanchard, Karen & Christine Root.Ready To Write 1: A First Composition Text. 3d ed. 160p. ISBN 978-0-13-136330-4.
Blanchard, Karen & Christine Root. Ready To Write 2: Perfecting Paragraphs. 4th ed. Jul. 214p. pap. ISBN 978-0-13-136332-8.
Blanchard, Karen & Christine Root.Ready To Write 3: From Paragraph to Essay. 3d ed. 200p. 978-0-13-136334-2.
ea. vol: Pearson Longman. 2010. pap. $34.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this easy-to-teach series provides writing instruction from basic to advanced levels.
Crichton, Jonathan & Pieter Koster.English Made Easy: Learning English Through Pictures. Vol. 1. ISBN 978-0-8048-3736-1.
Crichton, Jonathan & Pieter Koster.English Made Easy: Learning English Through Pictures. Vol. 2. ISBN 978-0-8048-3745-3.
ea. vol: Tuttle. 2006. 192p. illus. index. pap. $19.95.
The authors use a comic-book format to teach English grammar and vocabulary with exercises, a pronunciation guide, and word lists. Excellent for new adult learners.
Diamond, Harriet & Phyllis Dutwin.Barron's E–Z English. 5th ed. Barron's Educational. 2009. 352p. index. ISBN 978-0-7641-4260-4. pap. $14.99.
Simple exercises reinforce the clear explanations of English grammar, vocabulary, and writing styles. The easy-to-follow layout greatly assists the beginner or someone brushing up on their grammar.
Diamond, Harriet & Phyllis Dutwin. Grammar in Plain English. 4th ed. Barron's Educational. 2005. 358p. ISBN 978-0-7641-2887-5. pap. $14.99.
Twenty-two lessons include practice exercises and answer key. Also useful as a refresher for the GED test.
Lachance, Julie.Practice Makes Perfect: Basic English.McGraw-Hill. 2008. 181p. ISBN 978-0-07-159762-3. pap. $9.95.
Patrons may be tempted to write their answers in the sample spaces provided, but this inexpensive and worthwhile workbook provides a clear and easy-to-follow explanation of the individual parts of speech with lots of 20-minute practice exercises.
Lester, Mark & others.McGraw-Hill's Essential English Irregular Verbs.McGraw-Hill Professional. (ESL References). 2010. 288p. ISBN 978-0-07-160286-0. pap. $12.95.
Clear explanations of complex verbs, with examples.
MacGowan-Gilhooly, Adele.Achieving Fluency in English: A Whole-Language Book. 4th ed. Kendall/Hunt. 2006. 124p. bibliog. ISBN 978-0-7575-3782-0. pap. $33.76.
This textbook by the head of the Literacy Program at City College of New York is useful both for teachers and for students who lack fluency in reading and/or writing but have a basic understanding of written English.
Markstein, Linda & Louise Hirasawa. Developing Reading Skills: Advanced. 3d ed. 1998. 280p. ISBN 978-0-8384-5276-9. pap. $44.95.
Markstein, Linda & Louise Hirasawa.Developing Reading Skills: Beginning. 2d ed. 1994. 193p. ISBN 978-0-8384-4987-5. pap. $44.95.
Markstein, Linda & Louise Hirasawa.Developing Reading Skills: Intermediate. 2d ed. 1994. 240p. ISBN 978-0-8384-5775-7. pap. $9.95.
ea. vol: Heinle & Heinle. illus.
Another series for teachers and students to use in a stepped approach to learning to read, write, and discuss what has been learned. Includes comprehension activities and a glossary of terms used throughout the books.
Maxwell, Christine.Berlitz Spell It Right Dictionary.Berlitz Guides. 2007. 396p. ISBN 978-981-246-981-6. pap. $7.95.
The two-color-coded variations help to identify the correct spelling of commonly misspelled words quickly.
Mulvey, Dan.Barrons's E–Z Grammar. 2d ed. Barron's Educational. 2009. 208p. index. ISBN 978-0-7641-4261-1. pap. $12.99.
This excellent manual by a high school teacher guides beginning and intermediate students of English grammar from what a sentence is and the different types of sentences to the various parts of speech. With exercises and examples.
Stilman, Anne.Grammatically Correct: The Essential Guide to Spelling, Style, Usage, Grammar, and Punctuation. 2d ed. Writers Digest Bks. Jul. 2010. 352p. ISBN 978-1-58297-616-7. pap. $19.99.
This promises to be an even better, expanded edition of the best-selling original, with more grammar instruction on tenses, a glossary, and appendixes for quick reference.
Stobbe, Gabriele.Just Enough English Grammar Illustrated.McGraw-Hill. 2007. 160p. illus. ISBN 978-0-07-149232-4. pap. $10.95.
Interesting concept: learn grammar using cartoon characters and visual cues. This would work especially well with the beginning English student.
Swick, Edward.English Verb Drills. McGraw-Hill. 2009. 208p. ISBN 978-0-07-160870-1. pap. $10.95.
Reference manual and workbook for the basic to intermediate English learner. Covers conjugations of regular and irregular verbs.
Westfall, Meredith & John McCarthy. Great Debates: Language and Culture Skills for ESL Students.Univ. of Michigan. 2004. 256p. ISBN 978-0-472-08955-0. pap. $20.95.
Suggesting debating activities, this easy-to-use guide serves as a simple way to get conversations going in a class or small group.
For the tutor
Colvin, Ruth & Corinne Smith. Tutor. 8th ed. New Readers. 2009. 96p. ISBN 978-1-56420-895-8. pap. $23.
The educator who started Literacy Volunteers of America advises tutors on how to address various issues, including learning disabilities, when teaching a student to read.
Frey, Patricia.Litstart: Strategies for Adult Literacy and ESL Tutors.New Readers. 1999. 277p. ISBN 978-0-88336-653-0. pap. $21.75.
Tutors will find tips for teaching phonics and writing, as well as guidelines for creating a lesson plan.
Hughes, Nora & Irene Schwab. Teaching Adult Literacy. Open Univ. 2010. 368p. ISBN 978-0-335-23736-4. pap. $39.95.
Practical suggestions and guidance for the novice adult literacy teacher.
Riechel, Rosemarie. Easy Information Sources for ESL, Adult Learners, & New Readers.Neal-Schuman. 2008. 285p. ISBN 978-1-55570-650-0. pap. $65.
Suggests resources including some 250 nonfiction children's books that might appeal to the adult beginning reader. Well worth the price.
Teaching Adults: A Literacy Resource Book.New Readers. 1994. 176p. ISBN 978-1-56420-039-6. pap. $21.25.
Uses the classic and popular Laubach teaching method still in some literacy training programs.
Teaching Adults: An ESL Resource Book. New Readers. 1997. 175p. ISBN 978-1-56420-130-0. pap. $21.25.
Although aimed at the ESL tutor, this manual can be used with any adult literacy student. With sample writing activities.
Reference
Adelson-Goldstein, Jayme & Norma Shapiro.Oxford Picture Dictionary. 2d ed. Oxford Univ. (Monolingual). 2008. 285p. ISBN 978-0-19-436976-3. pap. $17.95.
A popular dictionary that also comes in bilingual editions such as English/Vietnamese. Optional CD-ROM can be purchased separately.
American Heritage Essential Student Thesaurus. 3d ed. American Heritage: Houghton Harcourt. Oct. 2010. 96p. ISBN 978-0-547-38564-8 pap. $7.95.
New standard thesaurus. Ideal for adult learners.
Corbeil, Jean-Claude & Ariane Archambault. Firefly Five Language Visual Dictionary: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish. 2d ed. Firefly. 2009. 1104p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-55407-492-1. $59.95.
With over 6000 images and 35,000 entries, this multilingual resource provides visual and verbal descriptions. (“Reference 2010: Crème de la New Releases,” bit.ly/byq0iW.)
Corbeil, Jean-Claude & Ariane Archambault. Merriam-Webster's Visual Dictionary.Merriam Webster. 2006. 952p. ISBN 978-0-87779-051-8. $39.95.
Not just a picture dictionary, it also defines the words.
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Basic English.Merriam Webster. 2009. 782p. ISBN 978-0-87779-731-9. pap. $10.95.
Short, clear definitions of 36,000 entries, with examples.
Random House Webster's Easy English Dictionary: Beginner. Random. 2001. 620p. illus. maps. ISBN 978-0-375-72211-0. pap. $12.95.
Slightly larger than normal font and simple definitions make this an excellent choice for the beginning reader. Intermediate and advanced editions also available.
Going on to higher education
Evans, Stephen & Ian Whitelaw.Back to School for Grown-Ups: Everything You Should Have Learned in Class.Barron's Educational. 2010. 256p. ISBN 978-0-7641-6271-8. pap. $18.99.
Covering nine subjects, a great review for those who have been away from formal education for a while.
Gilbert, Laura H. Back to School for Grownups. CreateSpace. 2009. 176p. ISBN 978-1-4495-5165-0. pap. $16.95.
A successful adult learner who eventually earned a Ph.D. covers such topics as whether it's worth returning to school, handling costs, and weighing age against the options.
Siebert, Al & Mary Karr. The Adult Student's Guide to Survival & Success. 6th ed. Practical Psychology. 2008. 176p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-944227-38-1. pap. $15.
This motivational guide includes checklists, as well as tips on studying for tests, taking notes, and applying for financial aid.
Simon, Linda.New Beginnings: A Reference Guide for Adult Learners. 4th ed. Prentice-Hall. 2009. 164p. index. ISBN 978-0-13-715230-8. pap. $27.
This beginner's guide to formal education covers classroom protocol, reading and thinking critically, a math and grammar refresher, and how to study and manage time.
Tanabe, Gen & Kelly Tanabe.Adult Students: A Painless Guide to Going Back to College. 2d ed. Supercollege. 2007. 224p. ISBN 978-1-932662-21-4. pap. $14.95.
Back-to-school advice for adults that includes researching and applying to colleges, emphasizing life experiences on applications, and sample successful admissions essays.
Tanabe, Gen & Kelly Tanabe.501 Ways for Adult Students To Pay for College. 3d ed. Supercollege. 2009. 288p. ISBN 978-1-932662-33-7. pap. $17.95.
The authors graduated from Harvard debt-free by taking advantage of scholarships aimed at adult learners. Their book is full of tips on paying for college.
AV material
Easy English. 3 CDs. w/book. Living Language: Random. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4000-0604-5. $16.99.
For ESL and adult students learning written or spoken English, the audio CDs and text complement each other. The book provides practice in grammar, vocabulary, and idioms incorporated in the dialogs on the CDs.
Standard Deviants. Cerebellum Corp.www.standarddeviants.com.
Originally created by a group of university professors and first aired on PBS, this educational DVD series covers English composition, grammar, punctuation, and more.
SteadyReader & SmartReader series. www.recordedbooks.com
SmartReaders are books and audio CDs of general interest topics and biographies, recorded at two separate speeds. The first recording is 40 percent slower than normal conversation—perfect for struggling readers to follow along. The second is 17 percent slower than normal. There are also two separate reading levels: for first- to second-grade reading level and for third to fourth grade. The series includes titles in Spanish as well.
SteadyReaders are works of literature and popular novels with unabridged CD recordings. These are read at a 10–15 percent slower than normal conversation speed.
Periodicals
Easy English News. 10/yr. $3.50/month for 1 copy. PO Box 2596, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410; 888-296-1090. ISSN 1091-4951. www.elizabethclaire.com/een/eenmain.html.
A newspaper for beginning readers.
News for You. w. $25 for 1 copy for 24 weeks. New Readers. 1320 Jamesville Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210; 800-448-8878. www.newreaderspress.com.
Excellent for ESL and struggling readers (both adults and YAs) who are also interested in current events. Each issue includes definitions of keywords, a crossword puzzle, and a teacher's guide.
Free adult ed websites
BBC Skillswise
www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise
Interactive activities (quizzes, games, worksheets, fact sheets) for students and resources for educators.
Goodwill Community Foundation
www.gcflearnfree.org
Online interactive activities and tutorials for anyone to, according to the website, “improve the technology, literacy, and math skills necessary…to be successful in both work and life.”
Internet Picture Dictionary
www.pdictionary.com
Free, online multilingual dictionary for ESL and beginning students of all ages; activities include flashcards, fill-in-the blanks, word scrambles.
The Learning Edgethewclc.ca/edge
Newspapers for adult literacy students.
Superpages
www.superpages.com/adultlearners
An online course for new adult learners to develop computer and Internet search skills.
U.S.A. Learns
www.usalearns.org
Learn English, basic reading, writing, speaking, and life skills.
Voice of America-Learning English
www1.voanews.com/learningenglish/home
Created for ESL learners, but the adult learner will benefit from these news stories with transcripts and MP3 podcasts read at a slower pace.
Adult literacy sites
ALA Office for Literacy & Outreach Services
www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/olos/index.cfm
BuildLiteracy
www.buildliteracy.org
ALA resource for libraries offering adult literacy services.
Council for Advancement of Adult Literacy
www.caalusa.org
International Reading Association
www.reading.org
National Assessments of Adult Literacy
www.nces.ed.gov/naal
National Coalition for Literacy
www.national-coalition-literacy.org
ProLiteracy
www.proliteracy.org
| Author Information |
| Lucy Roehrig is a Collection Development Librarian at Ann Arbor District Library, MI. She has been doing collection development for adult literacy/ESL in public libraries for more than eight years. She has worked in almost every type of library, from college to nonprofit, elementary school to public |
