Answer

Difference Between a Barrier and an Obstacle

A barrier can refer to anything that hinders progress, whereas an obstacle relates to an action, something, or situation that impedes progress or prevents progression. In learning, obstacles can include cultural, psychological trauma, technological, and economical, while barriers can consist of gender differences, language, and cultural diversity. 

Two potential barriers and obstacles to teaching and learning

Considering the various presented scenarios, I would choose the second scenario, which involves a nurse who is using a brand-new electronic health record (EHR) and caring for a patient newly diagnosed with diabetes who is threatening to leave against medical advice. In this scenario, barriers to teaching would include language where there seems to be a communication lapse between the nurse and the patient as well as cultural differences (Ranjbar et al., 2016). Conversely, the obstacles to teaching include technology since the nurse uses a brand-new EHR, which may present significant challenges to handle. Besides, since the patient is newly diagnosed with diabetes, a psychological trauma barrier can be why the patient is threatening to leave against medical advice.

Appropriate learning theory

Considering the different learning theories, I believe the best approach would be to embrace the cognitive theories of learning (McSparron et al., 2019). These focus on the thought process and seek to examine the inside cause of outward behavior. Through this, it develops two critical assumptions where prior knowledge plays an essential role in learning, and that memory system is an active, organized processor of information. This then helps find the solution since the practitioner can use the underlying knowledge to understand the new electronic device. The patient can learn from his or her diabetic diagnosis and embrace medical advice given. Through this, the change comes from within, thereby helping the patient in recovery and developing an understanding with the service provider.