Teaching and Learning Literacy in Adulthood

This course will provide a survey of influential adult learning scholars and an introduction to the distinctive learning experiences and motivations of adult learners. Topics such as accelerated learning, remote learning, neurodivergence and alternatives to formal education will be explored, especially as they impact experiences of adult learners. We'll read case studies of educational programs, e.g., Liberating Voices: Writing at the Bryn Mawr Summer School for Women Workers by Karyn L. Hollis (2004) and Adult Literacy and American Identity: The Moonlight Schools and Americanization Programs by Samantha NeCamp (2014). And we'll examine examples of contemporary adult reading/writing programs in community colleges, adult education, and organizations for incarcerated individuals (e.g., Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop. Each course participant will (1) read selected chapters from Creating Courses for Adults: Design for Living by Ralf St. Claire (2014) and then design a curriculum for a short writing/reading workshop; and (2) either interview and report on an adult educator or attend and report on the 2024 NYC ABE/ESOL Conference. Course texts will include Back to School: Why Everyone Deserves a Second Chance at Education by Mike Rose (2012) and scanned excerpts from books and journals.