ERIC Number: ED366736
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1992-Jul-30
Pages: 37
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Saskatchewan Older Adult Literacy Survey. Final Report.
Regina Univ. (Saskatchewan). Univ. Extension. Seniors Education Centre.
The Saskatchewan Older Adult Literacy Survey involved 16 literacy programs offered by the regional colleges, public libraries, and technical institutes throughout the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. The 2-month survey acquired information for an overview of the current state of older adults and literacy in Saskatchewan through mailed questionnaires and structured telephone interviews with 14 literacy program coordinators. Learners were found to vary in age, gender, cultural heritage, income levels, and rural/urban origins. Reasons for participation in literacy programs were diverse: independence, self-esteem, enhanced quality of life, and security. Barriers to older adults' participation in literacy programs were as follows: negative attitudes toward self and ability to learn, stigma, misconceptions of others about the learning abilities of older adults, and gaps in current literacy programming. The roots of illiteracy ranged from environmental factors to traditional gender roles. Older adults could be reached if programs were made accessible and relevant, if a peer tutoring system were created, and if programs were promoted as lifelong learning. Ideas to meet older adult learners' needs are suggested: educational resource development, relevant learning and teaching approaches, and the center's role as an educator and information clearinghouse on literacy and the older adult. (Appendixes include instruments, data tables and figures.) (YLB)
Descriptors: Adult Basic Education, Adult Literacy, Adult Programs, Age Discrimination, Educational Research, Foreign Countries, Literacy Education, Motivation, Older Adults, Participation
Seniors' Education Centre, University Extension, University of Regina, College Avenue and Scarth Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 042 Canada.
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Department of National Health and Welfare, Ottawa (Ontario).
Authoring Institution: Regina Univ. (Saskatchewan). Univ. Extension. Seniors Education Centre.
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A