Many people have been interested in and helped shape this project, but the first acknowledgements must go to Gwen Armstrong and Norma Kidd of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology who perceived the need for and conceived the project idea. While the project was dubbed "The Reluctant Learner", the writer could have been called "The Reluctant Researcher"! I felt that this would not be an easy or straightforward project I imagined many difficulties and pitfalls. Some of these did indeed present themselves, but their impact was minimized because of the enthusiastic interest and willing cooperation tendered by so many in the field.

Two people were particularly helpful in the early stages. Linda Hackett of the Adult Literacy Contact Centre was intrigued from the start of the project and gave support in several ways. John Meagher of Camosun College pointed me in a multitude of right directions within the college.

Melanie Austin, Elizabeth Thompson, Andrew Kennedy, Bev Rowlands, Lorrie Wood, Robert Sam and Linda Perkins opened up their literacy classes to me and were helpful in other ways.

My out-of-town hosts and facilitators included Mardi Joyce, Claude Mortimer, Linda Perkins, Marie Grinstrand, Elizabeth Snyder, Richard Cima and Wendy Tagami. Northwest Community College underwrote the cost of the local advertising and generated much publicity about the literacy issue. Sadie Parnell and Kay Hall were also helpful in this region. Selkirk College's Dennis Anderson provided a West Kootenay transportation and hospitality service. Through him, I was led to Georgiann Klemmer whom, unfortunately, I did not meet, but through her I became acquainted with some interesting people.

Jim Hooton and Carole Oliver of Camosun College had the idea for the nonregistrant telephone survey. Patty Beatty-Guenter and Penelope Bornhold helped to make it happen, with the permission of their superiors. Lee Weinstein enthusiastically seized the opportunity to learn more about Invergarry's 'dropouts', and also obtained permission for the survey.

Special thanks must go to those who provided adjunct research services Sandy Middleton, Mark McCue and Michael Chang. Their help was invaluable.

Although the results of their efforts were not as positive as others for this project, the Learners' Network of Project Literacy Victoria should nevertheless be acknowledged for their willing attempt to cooperate.

I am also grateful to those ABE Administrators and Instructors who took the time to fill out the questionnaires which were distributed to them at their respective meetings. Many other people have spent time with me through telephone conversations and in person. I was particularly pleased to be reconnected with my former friend and colleague Allan Quigley whom I first met on literacy work in 1976. We are both still asking questions!

Finally, thanks must be extended once again to the Director, Lorne Thompson, and staff of the Centre for Curriculum and Professional Development for providing the necessary logistical support.

Audrey M. Thomas
Victoria, March 1990