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| Characteristics of undereducated learners |
Resulting behaviour of learners |
Possible interpretations by service-providers |
Possible attitude of service-providers toward learners |
|---|---|---|---|
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1. I've always been a failure but I'm really going to try this
time. I don't know whether I can do it; if I thought I could I'd go for a higher level in school If I try and don't succeed I'll be worse off than if I had never tried I give up too easily |
tend to act as dependents within learning context i.e. in relation to teachers, etc. although not necessarily in other contexts outside may avoid trying new behaviors to avoid another failure may avoid homework which requires self-direction |
dependent learners lack motivation lazy |
They are dependent persons They are spectators rather than participants They don't really want to change You can't expect too much of them |
| 2. You can't beat the system no matter how hard you try Every time I try to get ahead, something happens to stop me. |
tend to respond passively to authority figures may wait for someone to tell them what to do may submit to authorities with thinly-veiled resentment resign themselves to current status and self-concept |
passive learners lack initiative & drive no purpose in life hostile to authorities fatalistic lethargic |
They are passive-dependent, helpless & hopeless persons They won't help themselves They are aggressive They don't care -- (Why should we?) |
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3. You mean I was right? That's what I think but I'd better check to make sure I have the "correct" answer |
wait for others to tell them "correct" answer; to judge their own answers; to tell them what their problem is; & what "best" solution is |
anti-intellectual low aspiration levels never figure anything out for themselves |
They never think for themselves They'll never succeed They can't even help themselves They don't value schooling |
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4. I get really depressed I don't like to talk to anyone about my personal problems; I handle my problems my own way The counsellor didn't really explain it to me; next time I'd ask more questions |
communication skills reduced in effectiveness may not seek clarification for questions/statements they don't understand & do the wrong thing Appear unable to retain anything which does not deal with here and now |
uncommunicative don't listen can't give a "straight" answer |
They are devious They are stupid They need to be spoken to slowly, clearly, loudly and simply |
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