Return-Path: <nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.9.3/8.9.0.Beta5/980425bjb) with SMTP id QAA02882; Mon, 24 Apr 2000 16:29:33 -0400 (EDT) Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 16:29:33 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <3.0.6.32.20000424141616.007b3380@coe.tamu.edu> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: Harriet Vardiman Smith <hsmith@coe.tamu.edu> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-4EFF:977] Re:Using EFF to teach English X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Light Version 3.0.6 (32) Status: RO Content-Length: 1541 Lines: 36 I share Joan's concern about the assumption that low English language and/or basic literacy skills imply life skill (such as parenting) deficits. On the other hand, even the most educated, experienced parent could use support in the ongoing challenge of parenting. Some family literacy programs communicate this distinction by offering "parent support groups" rather than "parenting classes" per se. This is just good constructivist adult education, respecting and building on the skills, experience and knowledge parents bring to the group....not assuming they are hollow vessels to be filled with knowledge someone else has constructed. Harriet Vardiman Smith Materials/Research Coordinator Texas Adult Literacy Clearinghouse 800-441-READ 409-862-6519 website: http://www.cdlr.tamu.edu/tcall/ At 03:45 PM 4/24/00 -0400, you wrote: >I am responding to the question, Are we using EFF to teach English or English to teach EFF? I think it is important to note that EFF is a framework and not a content area. Therefore, one would be teaching English in the context of what adults need to know and be able to do to be equipped for the future. I think we should not assume that because someone doesn't speak English that means they also don't have EFF identified skills. I have the same concern when people involved with family literacy assume that because people have low literacy skills they also need parenting classes. Just some thoughts on the subject. >Joan K. Benz >Lane Community College >Eugene, Oregon >benzj@lanecc.edu
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