Description
Providing a very contemporary overview of literacy, numeracy and “English as a Second or Other Language” teaching, this book presents a radically new perspective on reading, writing and mathematics among adults. As literacy is predominantly shaped by social and cultural contexts, rather than by skills and techniques, Uta Papen introduces a social, rather than a skills-based understanding of literacy, and discusses its relevance for Adult Basic Education (ABE) today. This book shows how teachers and curriculum developers have much to gain from understanding the role of literacy in learners’ lives, in relation to their families, social networks and their jobs. This view of literacy is particularly suited to help readers better understand: How a social theory of literacy and numeracy compares with other theoretical perspectives How to analyze reading and writing in everyday life using the concepts of social literacy as analytical tools. The role of reading and writing in everyday life, and what this tells us about learners’ teaching needs What is actually happening in adult basic education and how literacy is really being taught How to examine their own practice as ABE teachers, and better meet the needs of their students.
