[NIFL-HEALTH:3482] Re: likert scales for low-literacy readers

From: Julie McKinney (julie_mckinney@jsi.com)
Date: Mon Dec 03 2001 - 11:11:32 EST


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From: "Julie McKinney" <julie_mckinney@jsi.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:3482] Re: likert scales for low-literacy readers
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We have used the likert scale in a different way for low-literacy
students in adult education classes. We post signs on either side of a
wall that say "I strongly agree" and "I strongly disagree". In the
middle is a sign that says "not sure". (Or you could use "always/never"
or whatever other responses). We read statements (for example: "All
women over 40 should get a mammogram every year.") and the people go and
stand along the wall in the place that corresponds with how they would
answer, either under a sign or in between somewhere. Then we have
volunteers say why they are standing where they are, and a discussion
begins. Some people choose to move to a different spot in response to
the discussion.

Obviously this would not work for research or in a medical setting, or
other of the ways you use these scales. But in an education class, where
the goal is discussion and learning, rather than collecting statistics,
it is a fun and engaging way to use the likert scale.

Julie McKinney
Coordinator, Health & Literacy Special Collection
World Education
(617) 482-9485
jmckinney@worlded.org



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