This is part 5 of the 7-part series of Learning Is a Struggle (Learner Edition). In Episode 5, Dr. Donald Easton-Brooks breaks down what’s really happening when you feel behind, stuck, or like nothing is clicking—especially under time pressure. You’ll learn the most common sources of learning delays (missing foundations, stress and anxiety, overloaded schedules, unclear instruction, and life responsibilities) and how to respond with a plan instead of self-blame. This episode gives you practical tools for diagnosing the type of delay you’re experiencing, choosing the right Bloom level to restart from, and building a short recovery routine you can use to catch up—without cramming, quitting, or spiraling.

Audience

• High school and college students who feel behind or overwhelmed

• First-generation college students balancing school, work, and family responsibilities

• Struggling learners who experience anxiety, shutdown, or avoidance when work piles up

• Adult learners returning to school while managing busy lives

• Students preparing for midterms/finals or recovering from low grades

• Learners who want a catch-up plan that is realistic and repeatable

  
  

  Keyword:

• Learning Is a Struggle (Learner Edition)

• learning delays

• how to catch up in school

• study recovery plan

• academic overwhelm

• test anxiety

• procrastination help

• time management for students

• study strategies

• Bloom’s Taxonomy

• active learning

• struggling learners

• first-generation students

• academic confidence

• exam preparation