Comparing Foundational Skills of Adolescents to Adult Learners

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Adult Literacy and Adult Education Posters

Abstract

We compared the foundational skills results of students in 5th and 8th grade to adults participating in educational programs. Both groups completed a battery of subtests including word recognition/decoding, vocabulary, and morphology. We found different patterns of results across the three groups. Specifically, the adult group showed relatively weaker growth in word recognition/decoding than the adolescents, as well as different error and response time patterns. The study adds to the literature on similarities and differences in adolescent and adult reading skills.

Authors

• John P. Sabatini, The University of Memphis

• John Hollander, University of Memphis

• Tenaha OReilly