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A Comparative Study of Small Group Classroom Literacy Instruction and Computer-based Literacy Instruction on the Success of Adult Learners in GED Preparation: A Province-wide Intervention

April 2008

By Gregory S. McKenna, Audrey Penner, and Brian McMillan, Holland College

Overview

There has been little research into the best means of reducing literacy deficits through educational interventions, despite repeated indicators that a relatively high percentage of the Canadian adult population is functioning below the accepted proficiency level in literacy. This literacy deficit can have an effect at both individual and societal levels. Much of what is known about literacy skill development has been gleaned from research on school-aged students. Research on adults has confirmed that underlying issues related to poor literacy are very similar to the issues within schoolaged populations. There is also evidence that remediating literacy issues through phonological processing programs is best practice to address literacy deficits.

The format and delivery of processing programs tends to vary. Many programs utilize a classroom-based delivery model; however, with dramatic improvements in functionality and flexibility of personal computers, more and more computer delivered phonological processing interventions are emerging. Research on computer delivered intervention models is limited.

This present study is designed to directly compare the influence of a classroom-based versus computer-based phonological intervention within development of reading skills and attainment of the General Educational Development (GED) credential for adult learners in the Holland College Adult and Community Education (ACE) programs. The GED is an internationally recognized Grade 12 equivalency diploma with standardized testing protocols. This study is specific to Prince Edward Island (PEI) where over 40% of the working population does not have their Grade 12 diploma and has identified literacy deficits; therefore, these adults may require literacy support to obtain a GED credential.