An Analysis of Learning Barriers: The Saudi Arabian Context

Abstract

Learning and teaching are quite interrelated. Teaching can't take place unless the target students learn. Thus, teaching is a bi-polar activity. Learning barriers or causes of learning difficulties are quite common in an educational setting. But, when it comes to a very adverse effect it becomes crucial and unavoidable. There are different kinds of factors in general. The following barriers are some of those that are very influential: social, cultural, parental, attitudinal, motivational, psychological, personal and pedagogical factors. Pedagogical factors in particular include teachers, action researches, teaching strategies, teaching resources and administration. The present paper focuses on the following: motivation of the students and the teachers, dedication and commitment, teacher's role, teacher's characteristics, teaching strategies, training and professional development. The case of Saudi Arabia is very important for many reasons. The government is spending a lot of money on education. But, the achievement of learning is not up to the mark. Therefore, it is essential to study the effect of the above mentioned factors on academic achievement which will consequently lead to the possible evolution of some feasible and compatible teaching-learning strategies. Such strategies are expected to minimize the chance of waste, and yield maximum educational output in Saudi Arabia in particular.