The barriers to education and how to overcome them
Everybody deserves a chance at education, but unfortunately this isn’t always easy, or even possible. For many individuals and communities around the world, access to education remain a persistent obstacle. These barriers can take many forms, which we’ll touch upon in this blog.
Let’s take a look at some of the barriers to education below:
Poverty
Children that are living in poverty are less likely to attend school. They’re also the most likely to drop out of school if they do manage to attend. Families living in poverty struggle to afford the cost of education. Including many of the hidden costs such as school uniforms, school supplies, and transportation.
Adults living in poverty also find it difficult to attend education for themselves, as its often unaffordable, whether that be for in-person education or accessing online learning.
Discrimination in education
Children and adults from ethnically diverse communities, low-income families, or rural areas, are more likely to be excluded from education. This is partly due to discrimination and prejudice within the education system, as well as a lack of resources and support for these communities.
A 2019 Pew Research study of students found that a majority of black adults say they have been discriminated against because of their race at various points in their education. 81% of black students with at least some college experience say they’ve experienced racial discrimination from time to time. Of those, 17% of people it happens on a regular basis.
Lack of infrastructure or technology
Many people do not have access to computers or the internet, making it difficult for them to access online learning resources such as eLearning. In this modern day, eLearning is an accepted and important form of education, so it’s vital to try and assure everyone can access learning this way.
Overcoming the barriers to education
Online education, mostly referred to as eLearning, can provide access to education for those who are unable to attend traditional in-person education. Online training provides learners with greater flexibility and convenience in terms of when and where they can access education. It also allows for a wider range of educational resources and materials to be available.
It’s also essential to address discrimination and start to promote inclusivity and equality. This includes providing education for staff, coaches, managers, on topics such as diversity, with the aim of creating a safe and welcoming learning environment. This education can easily be done with access to online education tools. It’s vital to increase access to technology, making access to a computer easier, along with internet access and other tech learning tools.
Learn more about Equality and Diversity
Can eCoach help you with your Equality training? eCoach work closely with Show Racism the Red Card to deliver equality eLearning. We partnered with SRtRC to create the ‘Promoting Equality and Tackling Racism in Schools’ eLearning course aimed at those working in education. Since its launched, over 10,000 educators have taken the course and now feel more equipped to deal with racist incidents within education settings.
Get in touch with eCoach UK today to start implementing diversity training to your workforce or sports organisation. Get in touch HERE or send us an email – [email protected]
Create an Inclusive Culture for your Sport
Our sports training platform Accelerate Sport also have a range of Inclusive Culture eLearning courses for the sports industry. You can find out more about the courses here: Creating an Inclusive Culture training pathway
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