Workforce - Workplace Literacy

Simplifying the Language of Authentic Materials

Adult learners often bring into the English language classroom questions about printed materials encountered in the workplace, at a doctor’s office, in the supermarket checkout, or at their children’s schools. As instructors, we usually read through the material and attempt-on the spot-to provide a simplified explanation of the contents. Questions about such materials are common among adult learners, although few may actually articulate their questions. Judith Jameson, a teacher trainer and education specialist with the Center for Applied Linguistics, developed a set of simplification techniques that teachers can use to address learners’ real world interests in a classroom setting. Jameson’s techniques and guidelines are especially helpful in adapting authentic materials associated with employability, vocational, or workplace themes. Simplifying the language aids learners both in understanding the content and in learning the second language.

Five Guidelines for Simplifying Language
(Jameson)

Another Tip: Microsoft WORD Computes Readability for any document you produce. Go to Tools, options, Spelling, and Grammar, and click on "Show readability statistics." Whenever you run "Spell Check", a window will appear that calculates the Flesch-Kincaid reading grade level.