NCSALL

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Handbook

Teaching and Learning in Authentic Contexts

The only reading that is not included in the study circle guide is the handbook, Creating Authentic Materials and Activities for the Adult Literacy Classroom.

Jacobson, E., Degener, S. & Purcell-Gates, V. (2003). Creating Authentic Materials and Activities for the Adult Literacy Classroom. Cambridge , MA : NCSALL.

Based on the results of a five-year study in which the authors investigated the use of authentic materials and dialogic relationships in adult basic education (ABE) programs, this handbook provides practitioners with suggestions, activities, and assessment practices for creating authentic context. The use of authentic, contextualized materials correlated to increased reading time by adult learners and a broadening of their literacy activities. The authors conclude, “Bringing the lives, needs, and interests of the students into the classroom is an integral part of best practices.”

Download the handbook [PDF - 900k].