It’s well known that learners in any class will have several adverse issues that can contribute to unsatisfactory and deficit learning.  Among these issues, lack of experience and knowledge, isolation and insecurity, lack of confidence, lack of motivations, physical illnesses and mental health problems, disorganization, dependence, time pressure, work overload, financial crisis, social obligations and commitments,etc.
As a matter of fact, anything can be an obstacle including, lack of sleep, malnutrition, unwelcoming or unenthusiastic and unconstructive learning atmosphere, lack of resources, lack of interactivities, etc. To cover the holistic multi-factorial aetiology in relation to learners’ issues and unproductive learning, we need a bigger library than MIT's library.
Among the above mentioned factors and issues is isolation.  Isolation is either physical or psychological. Physical isolation is an intentional physical segregation from a group or organization to avoid a physical harm or injury. Psychological isolation is “a psychological defence mechanism consisting of the separating of ideas or memories from the emotions connected with them”. (Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary,n.d.).
From the above description and the fact that a class is a type of community and isolation is antonym to inclusion, we can frame the notion of that isolation is the lack of sense of belonging and sense of community. Isolation and detachment are often used interchangeably but It is really essential to differentiate between isolation and detachment which is a psychological condition characterized by loss of interest or involvement. (Detachment, n.d.). Isolation is an acquired social and psychological condition, phenomenon or attitude that has many underlying causes and roots, some are individual and others are environmental (the class circumstances). Regardless what the cause of isolation is, it is unquestionably acquired in origin. Social isolation is defined by Barry (as cited in Postlewaite & Silverman, 2004) as “the phenomenon of non-participation in a society’s institutions”. Social isolation and social exclusion are also used interchangeably and it is again essential to differentiate between the two expressions. In social exclusion an individual’s non-participation is secondary to issues and factors that can not be prevented by the victim or affected person such as discrimination and stigmatization, while social isolation may result from personal own decisions.
Among the factors that can lead to isolation in the class are, emotional and personality disorders, physical problems and illnesses, internalized discrimination, previous past history of unpleasant experiences in the class, and many others.

Management of Isolation in the class

Isolation is a complex issue and the treatment can be costly and time consuming. Effective management of isolation and treatment of disengagement in the class require us to determine the underlying cause/s. The following are effective strategies in the line of management of isolation and related concerns:
1- Create a positive and welcoming learning environment and this can be achieved by:

  • Cultural responsiveness and identity acceptance and respect

  • Friendly recognition and acceptance of age, gender and physical features such as obesity

  • Encouragement, rewards and appraisals

  • Acceptance of professional comments and criticism from students

  • Minimization of homework and avoidance of extremely difficult duties

  • Avoidance of embarrassment and unwelcoming comments

  • Elimination of harassment and related issues such as discrimination and stigmatization

  • Avoidance of unproductive attitudes

  • Availability and readiness to answer questions and correcting wrong answers in a friendly and professional manner

2- Enhancement of self efficacy and empowerment

3- Active involvement and engagement of the students in meaningful activities

4- Involvement of more student-student and student-teacher interactivities and interactions

5- Promotion of effective problem solving skills

6- Free access to information, resources and lecture materials

7- Application of peer group programs and “one on one” sessions regularly

8- Refer those who suffer from physical or mental problems to be seen by a specialist if possible.

 References

Detachment. (n.d.). WD. Retrieved May 19, 2009, from ww.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/detachment.htm
 

Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary. (n.d.). Isolation. Retrieved May 19, 2009, from dictionary1.classic.reference.com/browse/isolation
 

Postlewaite, A., & Silverman, D. (2004). Social isolation and inequality. Retrieved  May, 19, 2009, from  http ://www.citra.org/Assets/documents/Social%20Isolation.pdf