Research Foundation for the Objectives and Resources

Objectives for Adult Education

A. Observe Critically by

1. Attending to visual sources of information, including television and other media.
2. Determining the purpose for observation and using strategies appropriate to the purpose.
3. Monitoring comprehension and adjusting strategies.
4. Analyzing the accuracy, bias, and usefulness of the information.
5. Integrating observations with prior knowledge and to address viewing purposes.

B. Listen Actively by

1. Attending to oral information.
2. Clarifying purpose for listening and using listening strategies appropriate to that purpose.
3. Monitoring comprehension and adjusting listening strategies to overcome barriers to comprehension.
4. Integrating information from listening with prior knowledge and to address the listening purpose.

C. Speak So Others Can Understand by

1. Determining the purpose for communicating.
2. Organizing and relaying information to effectively serve the purpose, context, and listener.
3. Paying attention to the conventions of oral English communication, including grammar, word choice, register, pace, and gesture in order to minimize barriers to listener’s comprehension.
4. Using multiple strategies to monitor the effectiveness of the communication.

D. Read with Understanding by

1. Determining the reading purpose.
2. Selecting reading strategies appropriate to the purpose.
3. Monitoring comprehension and adjust reading strategies.
4. Analyzing the information and reflecting on its underlying meaning.
5. Integrating content read with prior knowledge and to address the reading purpose.

E. Convey Ideas in Writing by

1. Determining the purpose for communicating.
2. Organizing and presenting information to serve the purpose, context, and audience.
3. Paying attention to conventions of English language usage, including grammar, spelling, and sentence structure, to minimize barriers to reader’s comprehension.
4. Seeking feedback and revising to enhance the effectiveness of the communication.

F. Promote Family Members’ Growth and Development by

1. Making and pursuing plans for self-improvement.
2. Guiding and mentoring other family members.
3. Fostering informal education of children.
4. Supporting children’s formal education.
5. Directing and disciplining children.

G. Meet Family Needs and Responsibilities by

1. Providing for safety and physical needs.
2. Managing family resources.
3. Balancing priorities to meet multiple needs and responsibilities.
4. Give and receive support outside the immediate family.

H. Strengthen the Family System by

1. Creating a vision for the family and work to achieve it.
2. Promoting values, ethics, and cultural heritage within the family.
3. Forming and maintaining supportive family relationships.
4. Providing opportunities for each family member to experience success.
5. Encouraging open communication among the generations.



last updated 6/17/04
©2004 The Pennsylvania State University
U.Ed. LIB 03-64