Date
07 August 2025

Ask the student what will help and consider a learner profile

Learner profiles help students express who they are, their needs, and strengths.

Find out what matters to ākonga

Find out what matters to ākonga

When schools take the time to find out what matters to learners and where their learning strengths are, partnerships can be built that meet learners where they are at rather than a 'one size fits all' approach.

"Children with ADHD have been found to demonstrate cognitive strengths in the areas of logical thinking and reasoning, emotional intelligence, and creativity."

Climie and Mastoras 2015

Innovate with getting to know your learner

Innovate with getting to know your learner

Learner profiles can help school staff build relationships with ākonga and their whānau, understand their perspectives and design learning to meet learner needs. There are many creative and innovative ways to build knowledge about your learner.

Creative alternatives to learner profiles:

1. All About Me Interviews

  • One-on-one chats with a teacher or peer using simple, structured questions.
  • Use visuals or yes/no prompts.
  • Record answers through voice, video, or drawing:
  • "What do you like at school?"
  • "What helps you learn?"

 

2. Video Introductions / Self-Presentations

  • Learners record short videos introducing themselves.
  • They can show their strengths, interests, and needs.
  • Great for visual and verbal expression — use prompts or interview formats.

 

3. Photo Collages or Vision Boards

  • Learners select photos of people, places, things, or activities they like.
  • Use magazines, printed photos, or digital tools (like Canva or Book Creator).
  • Add labels or short captions if appropriate.

 

4. Learning Choice Baskets

  • Use a basket or box filled with objects that represent learning preferences (e.g., headphones, timer, picture of a friend, fidget, iPad).
  • The learner selects what helps them learn best.
  • You can record their choices as a profile.

 

5. Interactive Poster or Wall Display

 Create a classroom wall or board where learners can add post-its or pictures under categories:

“I feel calm when…”

“I like learning with…”

“I want to get better at…”

What to include in a learner profile

What to include in a learner profile

Discuss with ākonga and their whānau what information will help inform their learning.

  • Important people
  • Cultural connections and experiences
  • Languages spoken
  • Things the student is good at
  • Memorable life experiences
  • How they like to unwind and relax
  • Likes and interests
  • Dislikes and things they avoid
  • How they like to learn and what helps
  • Things that make it hard for them to learn
  • What they do when they need help.

Examples of learner profiles

Examples of learner profiles

File

Primary school learner profile

An example of a NZ primary school student’s learner profile, developed by the adults around her.

Download DOC (613 KB)

Rachels learner profile NZ high school

Secondary school learner profile

An example of a NZ secondary student’s learner profile.

Download PDF (331 KB)

Useful resources

Useful resources

Website

Learning Maps

Learning maps are another practical approach for Kaiako and parents to support learners in fun and energising ways that will help to improve their learning.

Publisher: Infinity Learn Limited

Visit website

Website

PATH Planning Process

This site provides in-depth information about the process of PATH planning from a person-centred, kotahitanga approach.

Publisher: Inclusive Solutions

Visit website

Website

Avatoon – Cartoon avatar maker

Students can create personalised avatars that reflect their identity, style, and expressions—perfect for easy self-representation in digital profiles or presentations.

Publisher: Avatoon

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Identify needs and how to provide support”:

Return to the guide “ADHD and learning”

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