Comments

The findings from the questionnaires in this project on the reasons for nonparticipation give a richer and more relevant framework for the low-literate adult population than the use of the general barriers to participation in the adult list.

Thus, this exercise confirms findings cited in the literature review: Measures and classifications generated for the general adult education population cannot be successfully transferred to specific adult populations.

Compensation for illiteracy

The answers to this question from administrators and instructors have been collapsed together in Table 9.

TABLE 9. Ways in Which Low-literate Adults Compensate as Perceived by ABE Administrators and Instructors

Strategy Score
Reliance on others
Avoidance of situations where skills required Fake and manipulate situations
Rationalization - don't admit to problem
Stay in own familiar social circle
Use defensive behaviour
Use TV and radio to obtain information
Use telephone to greater extent
Develop memories and organizational skills
Become excellent in other areas
Develop anti-social, hostile behaviour
Become "street-smart"
Use non-print clues for identification eg.     pictures and smell to identify products
They don't compensate		 14
11
6
4
4
4
3
2
3
3
2
1
1

1

Note: Score means the number of times strategy was mentioned.

This table needs little comment. The list might be used as a reference to compare with the findings of the personal interviews which follow.

Previous Page Table of Contents Next Page