[NLA] Discussion: Adult Learners with Trauma

[AWilder106@aol.com]

Nancy,

Besides funding problems (enormous) there is also much ignorance about 
trauma.  Remember Bosnia and systematic rape?  It was only after Bosnia that 
(I think) the first large progam on trauma was begun in this country, perhaps 
at NYU, I have to track this down.  This is a very complex area, and in my 
experience even those in the field who say they want to change policy can 
draw back from the realities that traumatized people bring to the classroom.  
In my view, these are three reasons that advocacy is difficult:
1)  funding
2)  ignorance
3)  denial

However, pooling of resources such as studies, successful interventions and 
self-education can help advocates formulate and push for specific policies so 
classrooms and programs can be better structured to meet student needs.  

I must also say that great suffering (trauma) may not leave much residue of 
kindness in those who have suffered, and that students who have suffered 
greatly may not be easy to teach.

Andrea