Learners’ Own Stories

How This affected the Learner

How did the Learner try to resolve this

One Learner got on her usual bus which unknown to her had changed routes.  She panicked and got off the bus, telephoned her husband but was unable to read the street names to tell him where she was.

Took a mild panic attack, caused her anxiety and stress, shook her confidence and took her a long time to get on a bus by herself.

Coming along to the group has helped the Learner to realise that she is not the only person in this situation.  She is also more confident to ask someone if she cannot read what it says.

Another example was a Learner attending the doctors’ surgery.  Her name and the name of the doctor would appear on a computer screen, she then had to go along a corridor that had several rooms with different doctors’ names on the doors.  She was unsure of the spelling of her doctor and chapped the wrong door in error and was then redirected.

They did not want to go back to the surgery again, and became anxious and stressed at the thought of making the same mistake. 

They remembered the first few letters of the doctor’s name which made it easier to read on the door. 

Another suggestion was to copy it down on a bit of paper when it appeared on the computer screen.

When playing a board game which needed spelling skills, one learner said that she felt more confident when she had a couple of drinks.

It did not really have an affect on the Learner as she realised that drinking for confidence was not the answer.

By coming along to the group to help with her spelling and also build her confidence.

Several Learners have been handed forms or questionnaires to complete in front of other people.

Coming out in cold sweats, panicking, anxious. Also felt like crying and walking out.

Coming along to the group and also being more confident in asking for help.