Why Do Learning Barriers Do Exist?

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For the most part, I have to agree with the critical theorists: learning barriers do exist. In wealthier nations, men are still more likely to earn higher salaries for the same positions as held by women. Wealthier families have the means to pay for quality educational experiences and have endless opportunities to continue educational learning opportunities. Demographic factors, such as age and sex can determine who qualifies for educational opportunities. While the government funds the education of our younger children, there is a limited amount of funding available for adults to advance their education. In their pursuit of the American dream, many less fortunate families do not have funds available to participate in educational experiences. For many this is the end of their journey: to be fair we must start by educating all members of society. Critical theorists talk about the process of a dominant group “creating truths that become accepted as natural and the right way to think about something” (Merriam & Bierema, 2014). Last night, as I watched the Macy’s 4th of July television show, President Obama made an appearance and spoke about the American Dream. In addition, he presented a number of immigrants who had just received their American citizenship to testify that the dream is still alive and well in today’s society. The continued belief in this “truth” distracts people from the reality of their situation as they continue to struggle in their pursuit of the dream. Although the younger generation has grown up in a digital environment, many older adults are afraid of technology and there are a number of citizens lacking computer skills. In addition, online courses are not available to those without the re... ... middle of paper ... ...mory that is associated with another scary situation that my students have previously encountered. As a math teacher, creating a safe environment and providing fun learning opportunities may be the key to ending that age-old adage, “I hate math”. Works Cited Alliance for Aging Research, retrieved 7/4/2014 from: (http://www.agingresearch.org/posts/view/113#.U7aV-2dOX3g) Kinsella, K. and He, W. “An Aging World: 2008," U.S. Census Bureau, International Population Reports P95/09-1 (Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2009). Retrieved 7/6/2014 from: Lloyd, N. (2014). Alliance Public Policy VP Cynthia Bens on Aging and Chronic Disease Retrieved June 23rd, 2014 from http://www.agingresearch.org/posts/view/113#.U7aV- 2dOX Author: 3g Merriam, S. B. and Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: Linking theory and practice. San

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