How to Teach Adults With Limited Reading Skills

Each student learns differently, and adult students are no exception. Since reading is an essential component of learning, a teacher should use strategies to improve the reading status of adult students. "The basic education skills of adult learners can often be improved by peer tutoring or in-class study groups," according to an article in "Teaching Today." Using effective classroom techniques is important, and positive reinforcement is as well. Adult learners with limited reading skills may face challenges in the classroom. It is with the help of the teacher that these challenges can turn into triumphs. Planning and setting realistic goals is the first step.

Things You'll Need

  • Personal computer
  • Internet access
  • Word processing software
  • Notebook
  • Pen
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Instructions

  1. Lesson Planning

    • 1

      Gather information on phonemic awareness. This is method of sounding out words, and improving adult literacy skills begins with this concept.

    • 2

      Write down four to five learning objectives for adult students. The learning objectives will serve as your benchmarks. Write clear objectives. Here's an example: "Students will learn how to read essay directions, identify sight words and understand them enough to answer the question."

    • 3

      Develop a positive, clutter-free learning environment. For example, schedule 10-minute breaks in between lessons. In addition, evaluate the comfort of your classroom. Set aside time to review lighting and classroom climate. If necessary, change the direction of student desks to promote a group-style setting.

    • 4

      Create a handout that includes two to three paragraphs and use sight words. Sight words are often used in literacy teaching and are defined as words that a reader recognizes on sight. For example, "the" and "to" are sight words.

    • 5

      Draft one or two teaching strategies. List each strategy separately and leave room to write notes underneath. Write and include any visual components that you intend to use during lesson plans. An example teaching strategy statement could be "I will use five handouts to teach lesson terminology. Each handout will be discussed and worked on as a group.

    • 6

      Choose and include materials that help you measure comprehension. Include a basic reading test or multiple choice examination.

    Instruction

    • 7

      Use the handout to teach and improve basic literacy skills. Make sure that students practice sounding out words and encourage them to read aloud.

    • 8

      Involve students in learning process. Avoid the lecture style of teaching. Engage adult students in a discussion-style approach.

    • 9

      Select your best reader. Instruct the student to demonstrate competencies by reading aloud to the class or peer-coaching another student.

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