NOTE: The separate statements made in this table are meant to be read as if they were part of a cumulative whole. Each separate contributes something to the overall attitude developed. Neither behavior nor attitudes should be viewed apart from the context in which they occur. The possible interpretations and attitudes suggested may be used by some undereducated learners, some of the time This material is not to be reprinted or cited for publication.


Characteristics of
undereducated learners		 Resulting behaviour
of learners 		Possible interpretations
by service-providers		 Possible attitude of service-providers
toward learners

5. we prefer to use impersonal communications since they are more effective & efficient
personal communications can sometimes give people the wrong idea about us

instructions are written; forms are in triplicate

document everything in writing

do as I say not as I do

we talk this way to everyone

I can't read - what will I do if I can't fill out this form and get all the information to their satisfaction

I have to keep a close eye on what they are saying or I won't know what's happening

They think I'm stupid

They don't listen

I am stupid because I can't make them understand me

They can't be trusted

Can't they see I'm confused

6. Our way of doing things has been tested and we have proved it is the best way for all

change your ways when you deal with us

I don't know how to do things their way and I can't learn unless they are willing to give me time and help

Their ways are a pain

I much prefer my ways

They are set in their ways and can't be changed

7. we like to be helpful; trust us to help you
division of labour is efficient so we have specialists for every activity here
you will need to talk to the correct specialist to solve your problem

specialists can't be expected to know what other specialists know or can do

we have no integrated approach for each individual - that would require another specialist

first we need to figure out which specialist you should talk to - repeat your story /problem again

I wish I could talk to one person; all these people just confuse me.

They all promise to help but no one does anything - just sends me somewhere else

I don't like being exposed I need to defend myself

I keep having to expose myself to more and more specialists

I trusted them which makes me a fool and stupid. They don't care about me anyway. No one wants to help me.

They can't be trusted

They are confusing

They like to ridicule me

I don't care if they do expose me; I'm as good as they are

I feel inadequate


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