What is Limited Literacy

As the number of displaced people who need to learn the oral and written language(s) of their host communities increases, educators are faced with serious challenges. This chapter discusses some of these issues and ways to improve the language education of refugees, using as an example the case of Syrian women in Turkey with limited formal education. Good practices both at the program level and within particular instructional settings are outlined. At the program level, the authors suggest adopting a holistic approach; addressing challenges such as trauma, poverty, and unwelcoming social environment; offering lifelong education in local centers; and training teachers. Within the educational settings, teachers should get to know the learners in all their diversity; build on existing strengths; offer systematic, integrated instruction grounded in real-world needs and uses of language; consider both cognitive and affective dimensions of literacy; use technology; and facilitate language development through social interactions.