Conflicting Paradigms in Adult Literacy Education

In Quest of a U.S. Democratic Politics of Literacy

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching, Educational Theory, Adult & Continuing Education
Cover of the book Conflicting Paradigms in Adult Literacy Education by George Demetrion, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: George Demetrion ISBN: 9781135622664
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: June 17, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: George Demetrion
ISBN: 9781135622664
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: June 17, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The book provides a historical overview of adult literacy theory, policy, practice, and research from the mid-1980s to the present. The main focus is a descriptive analysis of three distinctive schools of literacy: the Freirean-based participatory literacy movement grounded in oppositional politics and grass-roots community activism; the British-based New Literacy Studies that focuses on the ways in which diverse students utilize various literacy practices in their daily lives; and the U.S. federal government's focus on functional literacy linked to a 45-year policy emphasis on workforce readiness. These three schools of thought lead to substantially different implications over such critical areas as curriculum, assessment and accountability, and the socio-cultural role of literacy, policy, and political culture, which are discussed throughout the chapters of the book. This discussion includes a chapter on research traditions that closely parallels these perspectives on literacy education.

Demetrion argues that unless values grounded ultimately in political culture emerge, it is exceedingly unlikely that the adult literacy field will be able to move from its current marginalized status toward that of achieving the level of public and policy legitimacy many believe it needs for its long-term institutional flourishing. It is argued that any settlement of this issue must be accomplished in the field of practice rather than the ground of theory, even as theoretical insight can help to frame the issues.

Conflicting Paradigms in Adult Literacy Education: In Quest of a U.S. Democratic Politics of Literacy speaks to a wide audience, including not only the adult literacy community, but anyone interested in educational theory, practice, policy, research traditions, or political culture, and more fundamentally, in their intersection. Given the breadth of the topics covered, as well as the broad scope of the argument, the book is also meant for those who would like to gain a useful perspective on contemporary U.S. culture, through the window of these conflicting tensions within the field of adult literacy education.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The book provides a historical overview of adult literacy theory, policy, practice, and research from the mid-1980s to the present. The main focus is a descriptive analysis of three distinctive schools of literacy: the Freirean-based participatory literacy movement grounded in oppositional politics and grass-roots community activism; the British-based New Literacy Studies that focuses on the ways in which diverse students utilize various literacy practices in their daily lives; and the U.S. federal government's focus on functional literacy linked to a 45-year policy emphasis on workforce readiness. These three schools of thought lead to substantially different implications over such critical areas as curriculum, assessment and accountability, and the socio-cultural role of literacy, policy, and political culture, which are discussed throughout the chapters of the book. This discussion includes a chapter on research traditions that closely parallels these perspectives on literacy education.

Demetrion argues that unless values grounded ultimately in political culture emerge, it is exceedingly unlikely that the adult literacy field will be able to move from its current marginalized status toward that of achieving the level of public and policy legitimacy many believe it needs for its long-term institutional flourishing. It is argued that any settlement of this issue must be accomplished in the field of practice rather than the ground of theory, even as theoretical insight can help to frame the issues.

Conflicting Paradigms in Adult Literacy Education: In Quest of a U.S. Democratic Politics of Literacy speaks to a wide audience, including not only the adult literacy community, but anyone interested in educational theory, practice, policy, research traditions, or political culture, and more fundamentally, in their intersection. Given the breadth of the topics covered, as well as the broad scope of the argument, the book is also meant for those who would like to gain a useful perspective on contemporary U.S. culture, through the window of these conflicting tensions within the field of adult literacy education.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Best of Enemies by George Demetrion
Cover of the book A History of Western Political Thought by George Demetrion
Cover of the book Testing Second Language Speaking by George Demetrion
Cover of the book The Southeast Asian Economic Miracle by George Demetrion
Cover of the book Ukrainian Minstrels: Why the Blind Should Sing by George Demetrion
Cover of the book China's Enterprise Reform by George Demetrion
Cover of the book A Philosophy of Autobiography by George Demetrion
Cover of the book Diving Into the Bitstream by George Demetrion
Cover of the book New Governance and the European Employment Strategy by George Demetrion
Cover of the book Between Courtly Literature and Al-Andaluz by George Demetrion
Cover of the book Profit Maximization Through Customer Relationship Marketing by George Demetrion
Cover of the book Social Work Practice with African American Families by George Demetrion
Cover of the book Cultural and Sociological Aspects of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse by George Demetrion
Cover of the book The Making of Modern Lithuania by George Demetrion
Cover of the book The Social Psychology of Prosocial Behavior by George Demetrion
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy