Goal: By the end of this lesson, you will understand how inaccessible materials impact learner success and how rewriting in plain language can improve outcomes.
A real-life example
A group of adult learners joined a construction safety course. Most had years of experience on job sites, but little formal education. During a lesson on confined spaces, the manual said:
“Ensure proper ventilation is maintained in confined spaces to mitigate the risk of asphyxiation.”
Several learners quietly skipped over it. They didn’t want to ask what “asphyxiation” meant. Some misunderstood the task. One forgot to check the ventilation altogether.
The trainer noticed repeated mistakes. At first, she assumed learners weren’t trying. But after observing the confusion, she realized the problem wasn’t the learners—it was the language.
A better approach
The trainer rewrote the sentence:
“Make sure there’s fresh air when working in small or closed spaces. This helps you avoid breathing problems.”
What changed?
- Learners started asking more questions.
- They followed safety steps more confidently.
- Assessment scores improved
- Participation increased
The trainer realised that plain language made her message clear and made her learners feel seen and respected.
Why this matters
Even skilled, motivated learners can struggle when materials are full of jargon or complex phrases. The result?
- Missed safety steps
- Lower performance
- Fear of speaking up
- Risk of failure or dropout
Plain language doesn’t lower expectations. It lifts understanding. And when learners understand, they thrive.
Reflection Task
Have you ever assumed a someone was not trying, only to later realize they didn’t understand the material? What could have helped them sooner?