The Adult Basic Education Teacher's Toolkit

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction to The ABE Teacher's Toolkit

Problems with Traditional Approaches to Teaching Literacy Skills
Purpose of this Manual
Organization of this Manual
Other Resources

Chapter 2: Some Anticipated Questions

Organization of this Chapter
One Student's Example
What can I expect the beginning adult learner to be like?
What are some of the immediate concerns of educationally disadvantaged adult learners as they first enter a program?
How do I learn the skill levels of students entering my program?
Should I teach adults in the same ways children are taught?
How do I as a teacher of adult learners create an environment in which positive learning experiences can occur?
How do I develop a learning plan that provides the opportunities adults need to participate in the learning process?
What if the group doesn't work well together?
What are the important things to consider in assisting students as they practice reading skills?
How can I help students as they practice writing?
What about math?
Certain skills are considered basic-don't students have to master these basic skills before moving on to more "advanced" work?
What kinds of tests should I use to assess student gains?
What can I do to help students with learning disabilities?
Are there any other tips I should know before I begin?

Chapter 3: Facilitating Adult Learning in a Holistic, Participatory Classroom: A Model

Using Learner Themes
Finding Learners' Themes
Finding Learners' Themes A Sample Scenario
Exploring the Theme
Exploring the Theme A Sample Scenario
Extending the Theme to Action
Extending the Theme to Action A Sample Scenario
Evaluating Accomplishments and Determining Further Action
Evaluating A Sample Scenario

Chapter 4: The Teacher's Toolbox

Strategies for Comprehension
Mental Modeling
Newspaper Exercise
Core Thinking Skills

Chapter 5: Reading Skills Toolbox

Advance Organizers
Anticipation Guide
Dialogue Journals
Directed Reading-Thinking Activity (DR-TA)
Guided Writing Procedure
K-W-L
Language Experience Variations
Narrative Frames
Response Options for Narrative Texts
PReP Technique
QAR
ReQuest
Story Impressions
Text Preview
Reading-Writing Think Sheets
Think Alouds
Word Maps

Chapter 6: Writing Skills Toolbox

Process Writing
Prewriting
Writing
Rewriting or Revising
Guidelines for Process Writing (Cautions and Comments)
Journal Writing
Guidelines for Journal Writing (Cautions and Comments)
Mind Mapping
Collaborative Writing
Guidelines, Cautions, and Comments for Collaborative Writing

Chapter 7: Computing Skills Toolbox

Computing Skills
Connecting Mathematics to Experience
Word Lists and Math Vocabulary
A Strategy for Analyzing Word Problems
Example of Analysis Form
Modeling How to Read Word Problems
How to Read Passively
Holistic Instruction in Mathematics for Adult Basic Education
Math Anxiety
Some Myths About Learning Math
Learning Theory and Mathematics
Summary of Learning Theory and Mathematics
Some Reasons Adult Learners Want to Improve Their Math Skills
Some Guiding Principles for Holistic Mathematics Instruction
Some Examples of Holistic Instruction Activities in Mathematics
Summary of the Instructional Benefits to Writing in Math
Writing Activities for Mathematics
Error Analysis
Personalized Problems and Concept Definitions
Explaining Procedures
Expressing Feelings and Attitudes
Formal Reports
Real Life Math

Appendix A: Forms

Appendix B: Valuable Resources for Further Information

Print Publications
Selected Clearinghouses
Online Resources

Appendix C: References

Glossary

List of Figures

Figure 2-1: Model of Reading Program
Figure 3-1: Using learner-centered themes to guide learning activities
Figure 6-1: Example of branching or mind mapping
Figure 6-2: Detailed example of mind mapping