Laubach Principle
In 1930, while working in the Philippines, Frank C. Laubach originated a method of teaching adults to read and write in their own language. This method was tested and refined over the years as it was used to teach adults to read in many local languages. Stateline Literacy Council's practices are based upon the Laubach method of teaching.
Laubach carried the slogan, "Each one teach one" into one hundred nations. He founded Laubach Literacy International, which conducts literacy programs in the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Near East, and India.
The Laubach Literacy International instructional program is based on the bottom-up reading model, but also includes some top-down activities.
- The bottom-up aspect of the program uses a primer based on the phonics approach
- The top-down aspect of the program uses language experience, which is a global approach.
Here are some assumptions of the Laubach Literacy International instructional program:
- Community involvement or infrastructure exists to encourage literacy.
- Motivation to read exists on the part of the community and learners.
- Trained volunteer tutors or teachers are available from the community.
- Curriculum materials are available in the local language.
