The acquisition of information among functionally illiterate Mexican-American adults in a large city in Texas /
This qualitative study explored the ways in which 16 functionally illiterate Mexican-American adults in San Antonio, Texas, acquired information. Several questions framed the investigation: What were the subjects' information needs, and how did they access that information in order to meet thei...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1999.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=730340311&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | This qualitative study explored the ways in which 16 functionally illiterate Mexican-American adults in San Antonio, Texas, acquired information. Several questions framed the investigation: What were the subjects' information needs, and how did they access that information in order to meet their needs to function in society? What categories of skills and strategies were identified by the informants? How were these skills developed? In-depth, guided interviews were conducted, and the analysis documented three findings by which the participants acquired information and literacy assistance: (1) participants employed multiple strategies (2) they sought information and assistance from three categories of people; (3) within the category of helpful people entitled "Intimates'', a hierarchy appears to exist. Three categories of strategies used by participants emerged from the first finding: they asked for literacy assistance, they accommodated (e.g., they relied on visual or aural cues), and they relied heavily upon their abilities to memorize. The second finding indicated the participants asked for literacy assistance from three categories of people: intimates (family and friends), professionals (medical staff and teachers), and strangers. The third finding was closely related to the second one. Within the first category (Intimates), there appeared to be a hierarchy in which individuals were asked for assistance. This research recommends further study in five major areas. The lives and literacy practices of functionally illiterate adults need to be examined in context, focusing on their strengths rather than magnifying their limited literacy skills. Another area for study encompasses the consequences, perceived or real, of functionally illiterate individuals making uninformed decisions due to lack of current, viable information. Perhaps further research could attempt to explain the reasons for poor or non-existing participation as a full citizen after so much effort is made to become a citizen. Much remains to be discovered regarding the changes in roles, power and dynamics between Mexican- American parents and their children as a result of the children assuming power positions as keepers and users of information needed by the parent. Finally, the potential need for immediate, simultaneous, just-in-time tutorial services for parents and their school children could be investigated. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Educational Human Resource Development". |
| Physical Description: | x, 163 leaves ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 120-135). |