Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-5wvtr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-16T11:54:37.165Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Adult Literacy Issues in Canada

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 November 2008

Barbara Burnaby
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Extract

This chapter concerns adult literacy issues in Canada—adults being defined as people fifteen years or older and out of school—and focuses primarily on adults who are not (or are barely) literate in any language. Until the mid-1980s, educational support for adults who wished to develop or improve their literacy skills up to about the grade eight level was almost entirely a charitable endeavor. People with low literacy skills were perceived to be a marginal group consisting of elderly people who had not had the chance to go to school, people with disabilities who were considered to be untrainable, certain immigrant populations, and people who had failed in the school system through some individual weakness. In 1985, in the midst of national concerns about the productivity of the country's labor force, the government of Ontario launched a program of funding for three explicit purposes: 1) to assist literacy programs for adult learners, 2) to support literacy organizations, and 3) to fund a small amount of community based research on adult literacy. The federal government followed suit in 1986, establishing the National Literacy Secretariat in the Department of the Secretary of State for Canada.

Type
Regional and Country Overviews
Information
Annual Review of Applied Linguistics , Volume 12 , March 1991 , pp. 156 - 171
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

UNANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, E. 1989. Adult basic education programs in Canada. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 95–102.Google Scholar
Association of Canadian Community Colleges. n.d. The national adult literacy database. London, Ontario: Fanshawe College.Google Scholar
Baldwin, R. 1990. Clear writing and literacy. Toronto: The Ontario Literacy Coalition.Google Scholar
Batdorf, L. 1991. A Canadian volunteer industrial tutoring project. In Taylor, M., Lewe, G. and Draper, J. (eds.) Basic skills for the workplace. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 333–347.Google Scholar
Bell, J. 1991. Becoming aware of literacy. Toronto: University of Toronto. Ph.D. diss.Google Scholar
Bell, J. (ed.) 1990. TESL Talk. 20.1. [A special issue on ESL literacy.]Google Scholar
Board of Education for the City of Toronto. 1985. The right to read. Toronto: The Board of Education for the City of Toronto.Google Scholar
Boucher, A. 1989. En toutes lettres et en français: l'analphabétisme et alphabétisation des francophones au Canada. [Written in full and in French: Illiteracy and literacy development of Francophones in Canada.] Montréal: L'Institute Canadien d'Éducation des Adultes at la Fédération des Francophones hors Québec.Google Scholar
Breen, M. 1988. Taking care: A handbook about women's health. Peterborough, Ontario: Young Women's Christian Association.Google Scholar
Burnaby, B. 1988. Community based ESL: An assessment of a federal pilot initiative. TESL Canada Journal. 6.1.27–39.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Burnaby, B. and Beaujot, R.. 1986. The use of aboriginal languages in Canada: An analysis of 1981 census data. Ottawa: Social Trends Analysis Directorate and Native Citizens Directorate, Department of the Secretary of State.Google Scholar
Burnaby, B. (ed.) 1985. Promoting native writing systems in Canada. Toronto: OISE Press.Google Scholar
Cairns, J. 1988. Adult illiteracy in Canada. Toronto: Council of Ministers of Education, Canada.Google Scholar
Calamai, P. 1987. Broken words. Ottawa: Southam Newspaper Group.Google Scholar
Canadian Association for Adult Education. 1985. An analysis of the Statistics Canada Adult Education Survey. Toronto: Canadian Association for Adult Education.Google Scholar
Canadian Business Task Force on Literacy. 1988. Measuring the costs of literacy in Canada. Toronto: Canadian Business Task Force on Literacy.Google Scholar
Carver, R. 1989. Deaf illiteracy: A genuine educational puzzle or an instrument of oppression? A critical review. Ottawa: Canadian Association of the Deaf.Google Scholar
Carver, R. and Robar, D.. 1990. Principles for a literacy curriculum for the deaf. Ottawa: Canadian Association of the Deaf.Google Scholar
Cox, R. and Sanders, L.. 1988. Canadian Woman Studies. 9.3/4. [Special double issues on women and literacy.]Google Scholar
Cranton, P. and Castle, J.. 1990. Industrial tutoring project: Final report. St. Catharines, Ontario: Brock University.Google Scholar
Creative Research Group. 1987. Literacy in Canada: A research report. Ottawa: Southam Newspaper Group.Google Scholar
Cumming, A. and Gill, J.. 1991. Motivation or accessibility? Factors in decisions of Indo-Canadian women to pursue ESL literacy instruction. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. Chicago, 04 1991.Google Scholar
Darville, R. 1989. The language of experience and the literacy of power. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 25–40.Google Scholar
Darville, R. In press. The university and literacy: Trends in North America. In Limage, L. (ed.) Literacy and the role of the university. Paris: Unesco.Google Scholar
De Castell, S., Luke, A. and Maclennan, D.. 1986. On defining literacy. In de Castell, S., Luke, A. and Egan, K. (eds.) Literacy, society, and schooling: A reader. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. 3–14.Google Scholar
Deslauriers, R. C. 1990. The impact of employee illiteracy on Canadian business. Ottawa: Human Resource Development Center, Conference Board of Canada. [Report 58–90–E.]Google Scholar
Devereaux, M. 1985. One in every five: A survey of adult education in Canada. Ottawa: Statistics Canada and the Department of the Secretary of State.Google Scholar
Drouin, M-J. 1990. Workforce literacy: An economic challenge for Canada. Montreal: The Hudson Institute of Canada. [In English and French.]Google Scholar
Duncombe, B. and Fournier, M. L.. 1987. Mother-tongue literacy: The bridge to learning. In Gayfer, M. (ed.) Literacy in industrialized countries: A focus on practice. Toronto: International Council for Adult Education. 73–75. [In English and French.]Google Scholar
Economic Council of Canada. 1990. Good jobs, bad jobs: Employment in the service economy. Ottawa: Supply and Services Canada.Google Scholar
Fagan, W. 1987. Adult illiterates processing narrative and expository text. English Quarterly. 20.2.95–105.Google Scholar
Gaber-Katz, E. and Watson, G.. 1989. Community-based literacy programming; The Toronto experience. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 119–128.Google Scholar
G. Allan Roeher Institute. 1990. Literacy and labels: A look at literacy policy and people with a mental handicap. Downsview, Ontario: G. Allan Roeher Institute.Google Scholar
Godin, J. 1991. Words of promise: Voluntary organizations' experiences with literacy. Ottawa: The National Literacy Secretariat.Google Scholar
Hagey, N., Larocque, G. and McBride, C.. 1989. Highlights of aboriginal conditions 1981–2001: Part III, Economic Conditions. Ottawa: Finance and Professional Services, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. [Qualitative analysis and sociodemographic research working paper series 89–3.]Google Scholar
Hautecoeur, J.-P. 1989a. Lectures critiques de l'analphabétisme. [Critical readings of illiteracy.] Education et Francophonie. 17.2.17–25.Google Scholar
Hautecoeur, J.-P. 1989b. Generous supply, barred demand: The current paradox of literacy. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 129–141.Google Scholar
Hautecoeur, J.-P. 1991. Program-based research in literacy. Ottawa: National Literacy Secretariat. [In French and English.]Google Scholar
Hawrysh, B. 1991. How to identify workplace communication skills in the British Columbia sawmill industry. In Taylor, M., Lewe, G. and Draper, J. (eds.) Basic skills for the workplace. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 203–215.Google Scholar
Horseman, J. 1990. Something in my mind besides the everyday: Women and literacy. Toronto: Women's Press.Google Scholar
Hughes, K. 1990. “You took my talk”: Aboriginal literacy and empowerment. Fourth report of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs. Ottawa: House of Commons.Google Scholar
Jean, M. 1989. Implications of technological change for adult education. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 113–118.Google Scholar
Jones, C. and Brown, C.. 1988. A personal story about learning and medication. Canadian Woman Studies. 9.3/4.69.Google Scholar
Jones, S. 1989. Tests for adult basic education and adult literacy. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 217–225.Google Scholar
Klassen, C. 1987. Language and literacy learning: The adult immigrants' account. Toronto: University of Toronto. Masters diss.Google Scholar
Lewe, G. 1991. Understanding the need for workplace literacy partnerships. In Taylor, M., Lewe, G. and Draper, J. (eds.) Basic skills for the workplace. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 51–66.Google Scholar
Librande, L. and Jones, S.. 1987. Ontario test of adult functional literacy. Ottawa: Carleton University.Google Scholar
Lloyd, B-A. 1991. Discovering the strength of our voices: Women and literacy programs. Toronto: Canadian Congress for Learning Opportunities for Women.Google Scholar
Lohnes, N. 1989. Remedial learning: An experiential approach. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 293–299.Google Scholar
McBeth, S. 1989. Creating curriculum: A learner-centred approach. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 145–153.Google Scholar
Miller, L. 1987. The approach of popular literacy groups in Quebec. In Gayfer, M. (ed.) Literacy in industrialized countries: A focus on practice. Toronto: International Council for Adult Education. 31–35. [In English and French.]Google Scholar
Miller, L. 1990. Illiteracy and human rights. Ottawa: National Literacy Secretariat. [In English and French.]Google Scholar
Moore, A. and Westell, T.. 1989. Voluntarism in community based literacy. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 319–325.Google Scholar
National Literacy Secretariat and Statistics Canada. 1990. Survey of literacy skills used in daily activities. Ottawa: Statistics Canada.Google Scholar
Norman, C. and Malicky, G.. 1986. Literacy as a social phenomenon: Implications for instruction. Lifelong Learning. 9.2.12–15.Google Scholar
O'leary, J. D. 1991. Creating a love of reading. Ottawa: National Literacy Secretariat. [In English and French.]Google Scholar
Olson, D. 1988. The literacy problem: Myths and reality. The Globe and Mail. Toronto (08 15), A7.Google Scholar
One Voice, the Canadian Seniors' Network. 1989. Illiteracy and older Canadians: An unrecognized problem. Ottawa: One Voice, the Canadian Seniors' Network.Google Scholar
Ontario Public Health Association and Frontier College. 1989. Literacy and health project (phase one): Making the world healthier and safer for people who can't read. Toronto: Ontario Public Health Association and Frontier College. [In English and French.]Google Scholar
Progressive Literacy Group. 1986. Writing on our side. Vancouver: Progressive Literacy Group.Google Scholar
Rockhill, K. 1990. Literacy as threat/desire: Longing to be SOMEBODY. TESL Talk. 20.1.89–110.Google Scholar
Rubenson, K. 1989. The economics of adult basic education. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 387–398.Google Scholar
Shuttleworth, D. 1989. Adult basic education and community development. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 433–438.Google Scholar
Taylor, M. and Lewe, G.. 1991. How to plan and conduct a literacy task analysis. In Taylor, M., Lewe, G. and Draper, J. (eds.) Basic skills for the workplace. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 217–235.Google Scholar
Taylor, M., Lewe, G. and Draper, J. (eds.) 1991. Basic skills for the workplace. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc.Google Scholar
Terry, W. In press. Unravelling the tangles: Learning information services for adults in Canada. Toronto: Learnxs Press.Google Scholar
Thomas, Alan, Taylor, M. and Gaskin, C.. 1989. Federal legislation and adult basic education in Canada. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 41–56.Google Scholar
Thomas, Audrey. 1989. Definitions and evolution of the concepts. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 3–14.Google Scholar
Thomas, Audrey. 1990a. The reluctant learner: A research report on nonparticipation and dropout in literacy programs in British Columbia. Victoria: British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology.Google Scholar
Thomas, Audrey. 1990b. Encouraging adults to acquire literacy skills. Ottawa: Multiculturalism and Citizenship Canada.Google Scholar
Turk, J. and Unda, J.. 1991. So we can make our voices heard: The Ontario Federation of Labour's BEST project on worker literacy. In Taylor, M., Lewe, G. and Draper, J. (eds.) Basic skills for the workplace. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 267–280.Google Scholar
Wagner, S. 1985. Illiteracy and adult literacy teaching in Canada; and analphabétisme at alphabétisation des adultes au Canada. Prospects 15.3.407–417 [English version] and Perspéctives 15.3.447–458 [French version.]CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wagner, S. 1989a. L'alphabétisation et la recherche en français au Canada. [Literacy development and research in French in Canada.] Revue Québecoise de Psychologie. 10.3.125–148.Google Scholar
Wagner, S. 1989b. Field study of community literacy: Methodological questions. In Taylor, M. and Draper, J. (eds.) Adult literacy perspectives. Toronto: Culture Concepts, Inc. 235–254.Google Scholar
Wagner, S. and Grenier, P.. 1990. Analphabétisme de minorité et alphabétisation d'affirmation nationale: À propos de l'Ontario français. Volume 1: Synthèse théorique et historique. [Minority illiteracy and literacy development of national affirmation: The case of Ontario French. Volume 1: Theoretical and historical, synthesis.] Toronto: Ontario Ministry of Skills Development. [Alpha communataire chez les francophones 9.]Google Scholar
White, J. and Norton, M.. 1991. Whole language: A framework for thinking about literacy work with adults. Ottawa: National Literacy Secretariat. [In English and French.]Google Scholar