Learning barriers

For some people, learning can be a difficult concept which can be for many reasons. This may be due to lack of self-confidence or other barriers in the learners environment. We need to take this into account when we are planning our sessions to ensure inclusivity and support. Some of the individual barriers learners may have are:

Previous negative learning experience	This could have been at school or with a previous learning provider, the learner may have been made to feel not good enough or smart enough, or that learning was too difficult.
Accessibility	This could be due to transport, physical disability or impairment.
Learning ability	Some learners may need additional support with either a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or have a learning disability or complex learning needs.
Family	Childcare issues or caring for another member of the family may affect the learners ability to attend or concentrate in your sessions.
Financial	The course or the resources needed may be too much for individuals. E.g. if in a cookery course learners are asked to bring in some rare or expensive ingredients.

Many of these areas should be discussed at the initial assessment stage or Information Advice and Guidance session (IAG). Any physical or mental health needs, disability or learning difficulties is often asked on the enrolment form and support stated in information literature. However, you may be teaching in an environment that doesn’t have this process, or things may come to light only once someone is on your course.

Summary

As teachers, we will need to be mindful of the reasons our learners are with us so we can support their learning needs more effectively. Supporting people with some of their fears or concerns about learning will aid towards a positive learning experience.

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