McShane (2005) points out that reading is not a simple process in which learners are taught and master
alphabetics, then fluency, then vocabulary, and finally comprehend text. The author says, “The reading components
interact and reinforce each other” (p. 131). The ultimate goal is for adult educators to use research-based reading
practices to improve the reading level of their students so that the students can attain their personal, vocational, and
educational goals.
References
Bell, S.M., Ziegler, M., & McCallum, R.S. (2004). What adult educators know compared with what they say they know
about providing research-based reading instruction. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 47(7), 542-563.
Belzer, A. (2002). “I don’t crave to read”: School reading and adulthood. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 46(2),
104-113.
Camilli, G., & Wolfe, P. (2004). Research on reading: A cautionary tale. Educational Leadership, 61(6), 26-29.
Curtis, M.E., & Kruidenier J.R. (2005). A summary of scientifically based research principles: Teaching adults to read.
Retrieved June 22, 2008, from http://
www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/publications/html/teach_adults/teach_adults.html
Gersten, R., Fuchs, L.S., Williams, J.P., & Baker, S. (2001). Teaching reading comprehension strategies to students
with learning disabilities: A review of research. Review of Educational Research, 71(2), 279-320.
Gunning, T.G. (2004). Creating literacy instruction for all students in grades 4 to 8. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
Hock, M., & Mellard, D. (2005). Reading comprehension strategies for adult literacy outcomes. Journal of
Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 49(3), 192-200.
Hudson, R.F., Lane, H.B., & Pullen, P.C. (2005). Reading fluency assessment and instruction: What, why, and
how? The Reading Teacher, 58(8), 702-714.
Hurst, B., Wilson, C., Camp, D., & Cramer, G. (2002). Creating independent readers: Developing word recognition skills
in K-12 classrooms. Scottsdale, Arizona: Holcomb Hathaway.
Kruidenier, J. (2002). Research-based principles for adult basic education reading instruction. Retrieved June 22, 2008,
from http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/publications/adult_ed_02.pdf
Kruidenier, J., Davidson, R., & McShane, S. (2007). From assessment to practice: Research-based approaches to
teaching reading to adults [Webcast transcript]. Available from National Institute for Literacy Website,
http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/lincs_media.html
Lasater, B., & Elliot, B. (2005). Profiles of the adult education target population. Division of Adult Education and
Literacy, Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved June 15, 2008,
from http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/pi/AdultEd/census1.pdf
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