FYI:
Current Literacy Information & Resources
Summer 2006

FYI is a compilation of resources and information that may be of interest to practitioners, researchers, policy makers and administrators in the literacy field in B.C. It is compiled by library staff based on the reports and journals we receive at the library, email notices, websites and other current awareness services. FYI will be included quarterly with our E-Bulletin and posted on the Literacy BC website under “Publications” at www.literacy.bc.ca. Thank you for forwarding to us information you would like to see in the next FYI.

• How Has Life Changed Since the 1950s?
  Journal: Transition, Spring 2006, p. 3-15
  Elaine Lowe, from the Vanier Institute of the Family, writes on 50 years of societal changes. In this walk down memory lane (for some of us), we remember what the previous generations faced and ponder what may be in store for future generations. What was life like in the 1950s compared to now? A fascinating look at influences on our life experiences, social service development, diversity, the rural to urban shift, education, the labour market, housing, the role of women, and 1950s technologies (credit cards, birth control pill, modem…).

• Vancouver Learners Read About Climate Change
  More information: Phone 604-737-8555 or email rgeorg@telus.net
  Cool Vancouver News is a newspaper about climate change for adult learners. This free publication comes with Instructor’s Notes suggesting classroom activities and exercises. It is published by Fored BC in partnership with the City of Vancouver and distributed free throughout Vancouver.

• Learners Experience Personal and Social Benefits from Literacy Programs
  Ontario’s Parkdale Project Read released a report on learners’ experiences in literacy programs: I’ve Opened Up: Exploring Learners’ Perspectives on Progress– Adult Learners in Community-Based Programs. The report indicates that learners come away with personal and social benefits through their engagement with literacy programs. Also available Measuring Non-Academic Outcomes in Adult Literacy Programs: A Literature Review (2005).

• Video Helps Teachers Self-Evaluate and Validate Their Practice
  Article: Video as a Professional Development Tool by Jessica Tomkins
  Publication: Focus on Basics, 8(B): May 2006.
  National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy
  Teachers can use video as a professional development tool to increase selfawareness
  and awareness of students’ needs, and as a source of positive validation
  of their practice. This article describes the benefits to teachers as they were
  videotaped in a research study on student engagement.