Barriers to Learning

Barriers are challenges that make it harder for someone to start or continue learning. Many learners face more than one barrier at a time.

Outside Barriers are practical, day-to-day challenges, such as:

• Interrupted or limited schooling
• Low income or food insecurity
• Experiences with trauma or violence
• No reliable transportation
• Caregiving responsibilities

Systemic Barriers are broader social challenges that affect whole communities, such as:

• Marginalization and stigmatization
• Poverty
• Negative experiences with education
• Racism and cultural stereotypes
• Unequal access to funding and resources
• The digital divide
• Learned helplessness

Personal Barriers reflect an individual's experience with:

• Learning disabilities or difficulties (diagnosed or not)
• Health or mental health challenges
• Struggles with addiction
• Developmental or cognitive disabilities
• Fear of failure

Barriers can affect how a learner sees themselves and their confidence to learn. Understanding barriers helps both practitioners and learners identify what might be getting in the way of learning.