Seven Things That Make Learning Difficult in Classrooms: Students’ Perspectives
Explore the seven key factors that hinder learning in classrooms, as seen through students' perspectives. Gain valuable insights to create more conducive and effective learning environments.
I have taught further education and higher education students, full-time students and part-time apprentices, adult and young learners over many years. Based on my interaction with them, I have presented below seven points that cause learning difficulties in the classroom. These can hinder their ability to absorb and retain information effectively. I have discussed each point in detail and explored how these challenges can impact the learning experience:
Too Much Information at Once with Poorly Timed Breaks: Overloading students with excessive information in a single session can lead to cognitive overload, reducing comprehension and retention. Similarly, poorly timed or insufficient breaks can result in burnout and reduced productivity. To address this, teachers should design lessons with a focus on pacing and chunking information. Adequate breaks allow students to rest and consolidate their learning, promoting better long-term retention and preventing mental fatigue.
Communication Barriers: Communication barriers can impede effective knowledge transfer from teachers to students. These barriers can include language barriers, unclear explanations, or the use of jargon that students may not understand. To overcome these obstacles, teachers should use simple and accessible language, encourage questions, and be attentive to students' feedback to ensure they grasp the content effectively. Teachers should strive to deliver clear and concise instructions, using various teaching aids such as visual aids, examples, and demonstrations to reinforce understanding.
One-Way Communication with Littel or No Student Interaction: Traditional one-way communication, where the teacher does most of the talking without involving students, can lead to disengagement and passivity in the learning process. In contrast, fostering an interactive learning environment allows students to participate actively, ask questions, and engage in discussions. Incorporating group activities, class discussions, and peer-to-peer learning encourages collaboration and enhances students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Subjects Not Relating to Daily Job Responsibilities: For apprentices, relevance is crucial in the learning process. When subjects seem disconnected from their daily job responsibilities, students may struggle to see the practical applications of what they are learning. Teachers should strive to contextualise lessons, demonstrating how the concepts align with real-world job tasks, which can increase students' motivation and enthusiasm for learning.
Lack of Timely Support: Timely support is essential for students who may encounter difficulties in their learning journey. Whether it's academic support, clarifying doubts, or addressing personal challenges, teachers should be accessible and approachable. Providing timely assistance ensures that students don't fall behind and allows them to progress confidently in their studies.
Poorly Designed Teaching Resources: Poorly designed teaching resources can be monotonous and unengaging, leading to decreased attention and retention. Teachers should design visually appealing, concise, and informative slides that complement their teaching style. Additionally, incorporating fun and interactive activities can make the learning process enjoyable and memorable, fostering a positive attitude towards learning.
Distractions Due to Large Class Sizes: In overcrowded classrooms, individual attention may be limited, and students may find it challenging to focus due to various distractions. To address this, teachers can use classroom management techniques to keep students engaged and maintain discipline. Creating smaller groups or using technology for personalised learning can also help manage the impact of large class sizes.
In conclusion, learning difficulties in the classroom can arise from factors such as overwhelming amounts of information, communication barriers, lack of student interaction, irrelevant subjects, inadequate support, poorly designed materials, and distractions from large class sizes. By addressing these challenges through effective teaching strategies, personalised support, and creating engaging learning environments, teachers can help students overcome these difficulties and foster a more effective and enjoyable learning experience that leads to improved students' academic outcomes.
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