[Reading-hall-of-fame] Technologies for Adult Literacy

[tsticht at znet.com]

April 19, 2007

Technologies for the Adult Literacy Classroom

Tom Sticht
International Consultant in Adult Education

Nowadays a number of adults are coming to classes to learn to read and
write. There are several technologies that the teacher may use to help
these pupils learn. Here are a few.

1. Chalkboards. These are more and more familiar to teachers. They are
large black slates (sometimes now in green) on which teachers may write with
chalk. For instance, a pupil may give his or her name and the teacher
can write it on the chalkboard and show the pupil and class how to spell,
write, and read the pupil's name. This can be done with lots of other
words, or even sentences, too. Be sure not to stand with one's back to
the class for long, as this is not interesting to the pupils. At the end of
class, some of the adults may be called upon to help clean the
chalkboard and erasers. This can promote friendships in the class! [NOTE:
Some progressive teachers are now using different colored chalks to
highlight important information.]

2. Newspaper print. Sometimes the local newspaper will have some
newspaper print left on the end of a role after printing the newspaper.
Teachers can ask for this newsprint paper, which comes in a large role. It
can be cut up into sheets that can be taped to the walls of the classroom
(not on wallpaper however!) and written upon to record the words and
sentences that pupils will want to study as they walk around the room and
look at the paper hanging on the walls. [NOTE: Some progressive teachers
are now using different colored ink pens to highlight important
information.]

3. Overhead projectors. These audio-visual tools let the teacher write
on transparent film and project the writing onto a light-colored wall or
movie screen. With a newer device, the Xerox machine, the teacher can make
photocopies of pages of books, photos, charts and other materials and
project them on the wall. This can be used to illustrate various aspects
of writing and reading to pupils. [NOTE: Make certain to have one or two
extra bulbs for the projector in case one burns out!]

4. Filmstrips. There are now strips of photo film that can be projected
one frame at a time onto a wall or screen and the information on the film
frames can be used to teach reading. The Army made extensive use of
filmstrip materials in World War II and proved the usefulness of this
technology in the classroom for illiterate adults. There are educational
filmstrips available from supply houses so make sure your superintendent
places funds in the budget to purchase both filmstrips and projectors as
well as the other electronic technologies discussed below.

5. Photo novels. The Army also used photo novels to make stories
starring real people that illiterate soldiers could use to learn to read.
Teachers can use a Kodak to take photographs and make up these types of
photo novels for classroom use. The pupils themselves may also take
photographs and make their own photo novels for their own and their
classmate's use.

6. Tape recorders and playback machines. Some teachers are now reading
books onto audio tapes so that their adult pupils can listen to stories
before trying to read them. Sometimes the pupil can listen and read at the
same time to build up speed in reading while comprehension is maintained by
listening to the spoken words. [NOTE: Sometimes a radio can be used in
the classroom so that teachers and pupils can listen to an important
broadcast and then discuss it to build knowledge of current events.]

7. Television. Cassette players are now available to let teachers play
TV shows in the classroom. Indeed, there are now many educational
cassettes, including those for teaching various aspects of reading, that
teachers can use. Many times pupils enjoy these TV materials better than
typical classroom lectures or demonstrations.

8. The 'Binocular Organizer Of Knowledge" or BOOK! I once read this
amusing name for the old technology that forms the basis for teaching
reading. Of course, books remain the foundation technology for teaching in
our classrooms. I once read an amusing story by Isaac Asimov, the famous
writer, in which he espoused the wonders of the book: Once printed it
does not consume any more energy, unlike audio tapes or TV cassettes. It
starts when looked at and stops when the reader looks away. It stores speech
like the electronic devices, but lets the reader create his or her own
internal voice or voices. It lets readers produce their own internal
images. It can be produced to be carried in the hip pocket and taken to the
beach, on the train or bus, and so forth to be used without fear of breaking
it or producing any noise to bother others.

9. Finally, we can't forget those old reliable friends, paper and
pencils! All students should get paper and pencils to be used to learn to
write their names and all the other ideas that are provided in the class by
the teacher and other pupils.

10. Always maintain a well-lighted classroom, with good ventilation,
warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Teachers should dress
conservatively, wear a smile and maintain a pleasant disposition. Be
friendly, but professional, with your pupils and conduct activities to
bring about a welcoming atmosphere. An occasional social activity, perhaps
with refreshments such as lemonade and cookies, can help the adults, who
may be shy about returning to school after a long period, to overcome what
anxieties they may feel and develop a high level of class morale that
can help all achieve well!

Resource: Asimov, I. (1974, February). The Ancient and the Ultimate.
Journal of Reading, 17, 264-271.

Thomas G. Sticht
International Consultant in Adult Education
2062 Valley View Blvd.
El Cajon, CA 92019-2059
Tel/fax: (619) 444-9133
Email: tsticht at aznet.net