МЕТОДИ НАВЧАННЯ ФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ГРАМОТНОСТІ ДОРОСЛИХ У БЕЛЬГІЇ

Abstract

The article considers some concepts of adult education in modern Belgium being one of European economically developed countries and, therefore, representing problems typical to most of them. The problem of functional illiteracy is more complex and harmful than illiteracy itself, since it can be less evident and less identifiable in modern world. Functionally illiterate adults are able to read, write and count, but they cannot apply their knowledge to solving the problems of their everyday life. This phenomenon is the feature of modern democratic societies where attending schools and acquiring secondary education is no more rigorous and spreads widely due to globalization opening boundaries between countries and continents.Teaching functional literacy to adults requires techniques different from those used in the school environment. Firstly, adult learn more slowly and only when they are motivated and ensured that their knowledge could be of great practical value. Secondly, they remember their negative school experience, so teaching adults should be based on different principles than in school. It should use integrated syllabi which unite various skills and approaches in one lesson. Moreover, they can be changed according to the needs of adult learners after discussing them with teachers. Adults should be taught in small groups in the atmosphere of tolerance since the groups can be multinational.The research has revealed that there are three methods of teaching functional literacy to adults in Belgium. They are analytical approach, global structural approach and reading approach which can be combined if necessary. All of them are directed towards developing skills particularly related to everyday life needs of participants. Since functional illiteracy tends to spread all over the world, it is necessary to eliminate the threat of its appearance in Ukraine, but if it occurs, the Belgian experience will help to lessen its influence on Ukrainian society.