University. PUB TYPE Reports Research/Technical (143)

A study identified the characteristics of women in an adult literacy program who had been successful in their return to studies. It was designed to learn more about the needs of women leazners and what literacy programs can do to help women be successful in their return to studies. The literature review focused on these topics: women's knowledge, self-empowerment, consciousness raising, social reproduction, and difficulties women have in their return to schools. Participants were three women enrolled in a community-based adult literacy program in Akron, Ohio. Research activities included the following: observation while each woman participated in different types of settings and interactions; observation of activities around the program; interviews of each learner twice for an hour each time; and interviews of program staff. These themes were evident in all three women's testimonies: (1) wome