Barriers here are often less about physical access and more about exposure, unpredictability, and the perceived stakes of a given moment — being seen to fail in front of peers is a recurring theme.
|
Setting |
What it looks like |
|
Seminars |
Being unexpectedly called on to speak in front of the group. |
|
Group work |
Social exposure and fear of appearing incompetent to classmates. |
|
Assessment |
High-stakes, single-attempt assessment with no lower-pressure alternative. |
|
Communication with staff |
Unclear expectations that create anticipatory anxiety before anything has even gone wrong. |
|
Online / in-person sessions |
Unpredictable schedule changes with no advance notice. |
|
Attendance |
No low-stakes way to participate on a day when attending in person is not possible. |