Addressing Barriers to Learning - A South African Perspective

Everyone has the right to education. The main objective of any education system in a democratic society is to provide quality education for all learners so that they will be able to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to and participate in that society throughout their lives. With the publication of the Education White Paper 6 in 2001, South Africa proclaimed its policy of inclusive education; however, this policy is not always clearly understood by educators. Addressing barriers to learning provides relevant and in-depth knowledge to better prepare educators to teach all the learners in their class groups. Addressing barriers to learning covers the complete continuum of learners as reflected in the Education White Paper 6, and includes the most vulnerable of them: those who are economically and educationally disadvantaged, those with physical, sensory, intellectual, and/or learning impairment as well as those displaying challenging behaviour who are at risk of exclusion. Case studies offer practical examples and activities that provide hands-on experience regarding classroom practice and management, collaboration with all role players and mobilisation of community involvement, which is at the heart of true inclusion. Addressing barriers to learning is aimed at both prospective and current educators.