WEBVTT 1 00:00:27.420 --> 00:00:28.820 The 2 00:00:28.820 --> 00:00:40.000 landscape of the face tells many stories, anxieties and hopes and defeats. Courage 3 00:00:40.000 --> 00:00:48.380 to try again. These are the faces of people in adult basic education. People 4 00:00:48.380 --> 00:00:56.840 learning reading and arithmetic to better understand and deal with the 5 00:00:56.840 --> 00:01:24.760 places like community centers, hospitals, union halls, churches, buses, prisons, homes, labor camps and schools. Places called learning centers. For people in adult basic education, it means another chance. These are men and women who never reached the eighth grade. Their numbers are impressive. 6 00:01:25.640 --> 00:01:52.940 24 million. Some are employed, some are not. Those that are usually work at unskilled jobs with commensurate pay. Those that are not frequently have to resort to some form of welfare subsidy. 11 million live in extreme poverty. Those with unskilled jobs find these diminishing at a rapid pace. 7 00:01:53.940 --> 00:02:05.940 Those on welfare suffer demoralization and despair that feeds back to family and community. Bleak and unstable islands in the midst of an affluent society. 8 00:02:08.260 --> 00:02:24.020 Adult basic education exists to counteract these trends where undereducated adults find themselves relegated to second class citizenship by their inability to function within the changing economic and social framework of the electronic age. 9 00:02:25.020 --> 00:02:41.600 To do this effectively, adult basic education must with due haste provide the incentive and the conditions for utilization of the most efficient and dynamic techniques for speeding the process toward acceptable levels of literacy. 10 00:02:42.600 --> 00:02:54.600 Adult basic education is increasingly urgent, but need is outrunning time, both socially and by the lag inherent in traditional approaches to pedagogy. 11 00:02:56.200 --> 00:03:04.620 Techniques have emerged for speeding up the learning process while adapting method to the needs and capabilities of each student. 12 00:03:05.540 --> 00:03:15.540 The new technology is being put to work to deal with problems created by the growing gap between educational demands and teacher supply. 13 00:03:17.160 --> 00:03:24.980 It relieves the instructor of mechanical processes, permitting his energies to be directed to the more meaningful tasks of teaching. 14 00:03:26.860 --> 00:03:41.980 Adult basic education is committed to bringing up the rear of the nation's educational curve to the realization of new standards and goals, which are for each person his wings and for the nation its strength. 15 00:03:43.640 --> 00:03:57.400 Programmed learning assures the student that he will not fail. There are no arbitrary goals. Each person has his own starting point, which is determined by tests made at the time of enrollment. 16 00:03:58.340 --> 00:04:03.400 From this, he proceeds with instructional materials gauged to his level. 17 00:04:04.580 --> 00:04:11.140 Program materials enable him to advance in small steps and check himself out at each interval. 18 00:04:12.220 --> 00:04:22.280 He works when he can, without pressure of competition, and at his own speed. He may work independently and then with a group. 19 00:04:22.280 --> 00:04:38.280 He is assured of teacher help when he needs it. The instructor, freed of more routine tasks, is able to take time to familiarize himself with each student's performance and provide personal attention where and when it is necessary. 20 00:04:41.700 --> 00:04:48.740 Educational materials are selected not only for general quality, but with a concern for the maturity of its content. 21 00:04:49.540 --> 00:04:58.840 What is right for children learning to read may be completely undesirable in an adult class. Students are sensitive about subject matter. 22 00:04:59.620 --> 00:05:06.140 Reading must relate to matters of the adult world, and in particular, to the world of these adults. 23 00:05:06.140 --> 00:05:11.080 Tell something about what you do when you go shopping for food for your family. 24 00:05:11.880 --> 00:05:20.140 Well, at first I try to find the sales that it's on, and then milk and eggs and butter things that are on sale. 25 00:05:20.260 --> 00:05:24.900 What is the most expensive item really on your shopping list? Meat in general, right? 26 00:05:26.180 --> 00:05:27.480 Yes, and fish is even expensive. 27 00:05:27.860 --> 00:05:30.560 That's right. Today I think fish is more expensive. 28 00:05:30.560 --> 00:05:41.320 It's more expensive than some of the cheaper cuts of meat fish is, because some fish cost as high as 98 cents a pound, and you can get a hamburger for less than that a pound. 29 00:05:41.580 --> 00:05:42.180 That's true. 30 00:05:42.620 --> 00:05:49.240 Sometimes the discussion is of a private sort between teacher and student, or a counselor and student. 31 00:05:50.340 --> 00:05:58.560 Staff people respect the adult status of the pupil, understand his background as an individual, and as a member of the community. 32 00:05:59.540 --> 00:06:04.020 A positive relationship is vital to the student's encouragement. 33 00:06:06.000 --> 00:06:09.640 For now the family is all right. Everything is going all right in my house. 34 00:06:09.840 --> 00:06:10.880 And the baby is okay now? 35 00:06:10.880 --> 00:06:11.340 Yes. 36 00:06:12.220 --> 00:06:13.580 And wife is all right? 37 00:06:13.680 --> 00:06:15.280 Yes, she's working for now. 38 00:06:15.360 --> 00:06:16.380 Oh, she's working too? 39 00:06:16.460 --> 00:06:16.720 Yes. 40 00:06:16.720 --> 00:06:17.760 Who takes care of the baby? 41 00:06:18.520 --> 00:06:19.560 Well, we pay the babysitter. 42 00:06:20.440 --> 00:06:21.020 I see. 43 00:06:21.340 --> 00:06:23.120 The babysitter takes care of the baby. 44 00:06:23.440 --> 00:06:26.160 And so with that and what you're working on. 45 00:06:28.560 --> 00:06:31.480 A learning center is where people gather for instruction. 46 00:06:32.020 --> 00:06:33.440 It takes many forms. 47 00:06:34.440 --> 00:06:38.500 When people cannot come to the center, the center goes to the people. 48 00:06:39.480 --> 00:06:43.920 It is there for those hours when they can free themselves of other responsibilities. 49 00:06:44.580 --> 00:06:47.020 It may be one hour or several. 50 00:06:48.280 --> 00:06:56.940 At the Armstrong Learning Center in Washington, D.C., students work independently, though the room may house many diverse activities. 51 00:07:13.920 --> 00:07:14.640 Music 52 00:07:14.640 --> 00:07:17.460 In the learning laboratory, students use a scanner. 53 00:07:18.200 --> 00:07:23.920 They control the speed of movement, increasing it gradually to condition faster word recognition. 54 00:07:25.200 --> 00:07:25.980 Music 55 00:07:33.800 --> 00:07:35.920 Rochambeau Learning Center in White Plains. 56 00:07:37.280 --> 00:07:44.780 Dedicated administrators and teachers, as much a part of the adult basic education program as the curriculum itself. 57 00:07:45.560 --> 00:07:53.140 A spirit that permeates the classrooms and turns on response measurable in students' zeal and excitement. 58 00:07:55.800 --> 00:07:56.300 Music 59 00:08:01.280 --> 00:08:03.600 Visual aids lend a change of pace. 60 00:08:04.640 --> 00:08:09.820 Student involvement is kept at high level, whether in the group or in private work. 61 00:08:10.720 --> 00:08:12.680 Sue, what are your plans for the future? 62 00:08:13.240 --> 00:08:17.520 Well, I would like to go in and try to get my high school diploma and go into service. 63 00:08:18.140 --> 00:08:20.220 I would like to work in the post office. 64 00:08:20.440 --> 00:08:21.780 That's a very good idea. 65 00:08:21.780 --> 00:08:23.320 Okay, how about you, Joan? 66 00:08:23.760 --> 00:08:24.640 Nursing for me. 67 00:08:24.920 --> 00:08:25.820 Nursing is for you. 68 00:08:25.920 --> 00:08:26.380 That's right. 69 00:08:26.380 --> 00:08:27.400 Very good. We need nurses. 70 00:08:27.840 --> 00:08:32.660 Well, I think practical because I have two children, so it will have to be practical. 71 00:08:32.840 --> 00:08:35.560 I can't wait to go through college and then on. 72 00:08:36.040 --> 00:08:39.060 Right now it's just getting out of this class and into the high school. 73 00:08:39.240 --> 00:08:41.760 You would need that to go on to the licensed practical? 74 00:08:41.760 --> 00:08:46.100 You have to have at least 11th grade, so I'll go all the way through to get a diploma. 75 00:08:46.100 --> 00:08:52.500 I think I'd like to work in grasslands, but I want to be with the old people. 76 00:08:52.940 --> 00:09:00.360 I remember my great-grandparents so well, and I think that's the best part, either that or crippled children. 77 00:09:00.880 --> 00:09:04.920 Talk about ambitions and plans is rewarding on several levels, 78 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:11.460 not the least of which is defining objectives for realistic appraisal and mutual encouragement. 79 00:09:13.040 --> 00:09:13.720 Policeman. 80 00:09:13.900 --> 00:09:14.880 Good. Policeman. 81 00:09:15.160 --> 00:09:16.320 Policeman. Good. 82 00:09:17.580 --> 00:09:17.920 Boots. 83 00:09:19.240 --> 00:09:20.600 Boots. Boots. 84 00:09:21.240 --> 00:09:21.860 I don't know. 85 00:09:22.260 --> 00:09:23.320 Steep. Steep. 86 00:09:23.480 --> 00:09:30.280 At Jackson Adult Basic Education Center in Chicago, people helping people is a common sight in classes. 87 00:09:30.800 --> 00:09:37.040 It challenges the student in a more active role and encourages friendly exchange. 88 00:09:37.900 --> 00:09:40.520 The student is at home in such an environment. 89 00:09:41.560 --> 00:09:42.200 Window. 90 00:09:44.540 --> 00:09:47.220 Ice cream. Ice cream, eh? 91 00:09:48.260 --> 00:09:50.440 To me, it's like a leg. 92 00:09:51.700 --> 00:09:57.380 Child care is offered during class hours to make it possible for mothers to attend the program. 93 00:09:59.060 --> 00:10:00.180 Do. Do. 94 00:10:00.780 --> 00:10:02.260 Not. Not. 95 00:10:02.580 --> 00:10:04.940 Don't. Don't. 96 00:10:05.100 --> 00:10:06.440 Photograph 106. 97 00:10:07.760 --> 00:10:08.640 Which way do we go? 98 00:10:09.220 --> 00:10:10.420 Which way do we go? 99 00:10:10.420 --> 00:10:11.720 Left of the corner. 100 00:10:12.040 --> 00:10:17.280 Evaluation of equipment and materials is an ongoing part of adult basic education. 101 00:10:18.160 --> 00:10:25.000 At a special demonstration center in Virginia, the curriculum calls for the use of a number of audiovisual devices. 102 00:10:26.020 --> 00:10:31.200 Their performance is tested in terms of pupil stimulation and as a teaching aid. 103 00:10:32.180 --> 00:10:33.900 How far is the store? 104 00:10:33.900 --> 00:10:43.240 Okay. Now, on far, the R in Spanish, your tongue touches the roof of your mouth, but in English it doesn't. 105 00:10:43.720 --> 00:10:49.300 Therefore, pull the tongue back. Do you understand me? So pull the tongue back. How far? 106 00:10:49.920 --> 00:10:50.840 How far? 107 00:10:55.060 --> 00:10:58.580 Okay. How far is the store? 108 00:10:59.180 --> 00:11:00.060 How far? 109 00:11:02.620 --> 00:11:12.020 In Arizona, where the population is widely dispersed, videotapes are being broadcast for home learning to Spanish-speaking adults. 110 00:11:13.460 --> 00:11:19.060 Programs are produced as an adult basic education special project at the University of Arizona. 111 00:11:26.020 --> 00:11:29.120 El Centro Hispano Americano in Milwaukee. 112 00:11:30.060 --> 00:11:32.180 Located in the midst of the community. 113 00:11:33.040 --> 00:11:37.800 Concerned with the whole person, it serves its people in a myriad of ways. 114 00:11:39.480 --> 00:11:49.480 Men and women drop in for conversation, counseling, reading, social gatherings, dental attention, participation in various programs, classes. 115 00:11:50.960 --> 00:11:54.100 Adult basic education is a part of the center. 116 00:11:54.820 --> 00:12:03.260 Many of its enrollees come in off the street to discuss personal problems and are referred by the priest or another agency. 117 00:12:04.840 --> 00:12:10.260 The program stresses command of English as a way to self-improvement and economic goals. 118 00:12:11.300 --> 00:12:13.380 Teachers come up from the ranks of the people. 119 00:12:14.520 --> 00:12:17.580 The only professionals are the director and her assistant. 120 00:12:18.380 --> 00:12:21.460 All teachers are housewives trained by the director. 121 00:12:21.460 --> 00:12:26.280 Their vitality and rapport with the student is an inspiration. 122 00:12:27.440 --> 00:12:32.140 Subject matter for language exercises appeals to the practical concerns of adults. 123 00:12:32.820 --> 00:12:37.340 Health, family, jobs, legal and political awareness. 124 00:12:38.880 --> 00:12:47.440 When adults are unable or reluctant to attend classes, the instructor goes to the homes where families congregate for lessons in English. 125 00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:52.000 These tutors are in the field seven days and nights a week. 126 00:12:53.380 --> 00:13:00.240 The impact on the young of the household is a fringe benefit and profoundly affects attitudes towards school. 127 00:13:06.760 --> 00:13:11.300 A development and demonstration project for adult migrant workers in Florida. 128 00:13:12.080 --> 00:13:16.020 Developed by the National Education Associates for Research and Development, 129 00:13:16.020 --> 00:13:26.460 this project encourages the migrant to participate in adult basic education classes as a means to self-improvement and better jobs. 130 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:36.900 NERAD is concerned as well with developing approaches to teaching methods and the use of materials that are rooted in the special needs of the migrant worker 131 00:13:36.900 --> 00:13:40.840 and will stimulate him to effective learning experiences. 132 00:13:41.840 --> 00:13:46.280 How to contend with classes in days of exceptionally long working hours. 133 00:13:47.020 --> 00:13:52.540 How to bring learning centers within physical reach of students in widespread rural areas. 134 00:13:53.320 --> 00:14:04.040 How to implement an educational program that will provide the necessary continuity for adults caught up in the occupational patterns of a constantly shifting work trail. 135 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:13.400 Men and women are tested for aptitudes and placement levels, which serve as the basis for an individualized plan of instruction. 136 00:14:14.840 --> 00:14:25.300 In addition to regularly scheduled classes, programmed learning enables the student to work at random hours, which do not conflict with the demands of his job. 137 00:14:26.300 --> 00:14:34.080 Materials that are part of his living experience and which are adaptable to word and mathematic concepts are especially effective. 138 00:14:35.460 --> 00:14:41.620 Visual aids and adult-oriented subject matter assure added interest and function. 139 00:14:42.580 --> 00:14:47.680 Mobile classrooms are planned to reach those people who do not have transport means. 140 00:14:48.940 --> 00:14:58.760 Community organizations and agencies invited to cooperate in this total effort offer a wide range of assistance to migrant workers. 141 00:14:59.320 --> 00:15:06.060 Facilities, medical attention, legal counsel, food, clothing, shelter, job placement. 142 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:16.460 Private counseling affords NERAD personnel a more intimate awareness of individual problems and needs on which to base professional guidance. 143 00:15:17.460 --> 00:15:26.120 The adult-micron student information system will compile computerized records and updated pertinent data for every student. 144 00:15:26.940 --> 00:15:40.120 His master file will then be directed to each successive State Department of Education as he moves to changing job locations and thus provide a guideline for his continued educational progress. 145 00:15:41.080 --> 00:15:54.920 The most urgent objective is to help each person become qualified for an upgraded permanent job, which will enable him to sustain himself and his family outside the migrant stream. 146 00:15:56.740 --> 00:16:06.060 Follow-up visits by NERAD administrators encourage the workers and demonstrate interest in the mutual satisfaction between employee and employer. 147 00:16:16.400 --> 00:16:21.380 This is a small segment of the adult basic education diorama. 148 00:16:22.600 --> 00:16:25.780 The drama is endless in human terms. 149 00:16:26.860 --> 00:16:36.340 A new self-confidence, a way to a better job, the enrichment of reading, understanding, and participating as active citizens. 150 00:16:37.180 --> 00:16:43.140 The dignity of filling out a tax form instead of answering to a welfare questionnaire. 151 00:16:44.360 --> 00:16:48.460 Coping with the daily confrontation of the written and oral word. 152 00:16:49.520 --> 00:16:51.060 The excitement of knowing. 153 00:16:52.420 --> 00:16:54.860 The security of knowing how. 154 00:17:19.560 --> 00:17:20.980 Thank you.