Comprehension & Vocabulary- The Vicious Cycle
Many of our adult learners are stuck in a vicious cycle: "Their limited vocabulary and background knowledge create comprehension problems, and because they have difficulty with comprehension they don't choose to read much, so they don't develop vocabulary through reading." What will help? "Explicit vocabulary instruction is necessary to enable these adults to read material related to their educational, vocational, and family goals."
- Applying Research in Reading Instruction for Adults, p.60-61.. McShane/NIFL
An excellent tool that will help your student improve both vocabulary and comprehension, and that is particularly attuned to adults and their interests, is "News for You" by New Reader's Press. I will be providing more detail on this in the publication list above, presently.