Teenagers can face several common barriers to learning, which can hinder their educational progress and academic success both in the classroom and in a personal tuition setting.
Some of these barriers include:
1. Lack of motivation: Teenagers may struggle with a lack of motivation, which can be influenced by various factors such as disinterest in the subject matter, low self-esteem, or a lack of perceived relevance to their future goals.
2. Peer pressure: The influence of peers can be a significant barrier to learning. Teenagers may feel pressured to conform to social norms or engage in activities that are not conducive to their educational pursuits, leading to a distraction from their studies.
3. Distractions from technology: The widespread use of technology, particularly smartphones and social media, can pose distractions for teenagers. Spending excessive time on social media platforms or engaging in video games can divert their attention away from studying and hinder their ability to focus.
4. Learning difficulties: Some teenagers may have specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autism spectrum disorders, which can impede their learning process if not properly addressed or accommodated.
5. Emotional and mental health issues: Teenagers often grapple with emotional and mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or stress. These issues can significantly impact their ability to concentrate, retain information, and perform well academically.
6. Inadequate support systems: Lack of support from parents, teachers, or mentors can hinder a teenager's learning progress. A nurturing and supportive environment plays a crucial role in fostering a positive attitude toward learning.
7. Unrealistic academic expectations: Pressure to excel academically and meet extremely high expectations from parents, teachers, or themselves can create stress and anxiety. Unrealistic academic expectations may lead to feelings of inadequacy, reduced self-confidence, and a negative impact on learning.
8. Lack of effective study skills:
Many teenagers may struggle with poor study habits or a lack of effective study skills. Without proper time management, organization, note-taking, or test-taking strategies, they may find it challenging to retain information and perform well in exams.
9. Cultural or socioeconomic factors:
Socioeconomic or cultural factors can also act as barriers to learning. Limited access to educational resources, lack of funding, language barriers, or discrimination can impede a teenager's educational opportunities and achievement.
It's important to note however that these barriers can vary from individual to individual, and a comprehensive understanding of each teenager's unique circumstances is necessary to provide appropriate support and interventions to overcome these challenges.
As a personal tutor, teacher and someone with a keen interest in child developmental psychology, I am very aware of the impact the above factors can have on a student's approach to their studies and their ability to ultimately achieve their full potential. Which is why I dedicate time to get to know my students, learn more about their experiences and feelings towards school life, classroom environment, their likes, dislikes and future goals, in order to identify any relevant barriers to their learning, and then apply this knowledge to the way I structure the tuition I deliver to my students.
For more about factors that can affect your child's progress through their studies and them reaching their maximum potential and ways to help support your child at home watch out for my upcoming video interview with experienced School Counsellor Humayra Abdul Rauf.
Written by Irfana Saeed Qureshi
First published on www.facebook.com/isqmathtutor
June 2023
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