Skip to main content

Inclusive Education

From
Date
18 January 2025
Link
inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/developing-an-inclusive-classroom-culture/develop-learner-profiles-with-students

Develop learner profiles with students

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Valuing what each student brings to the classroom’

On this page:

On this page:

Current page section: ​Develop learner profiles

Go to top of current page: ​Develop learner profiles

Show list of page sections

Go to top of current page: ​Develop learner profiles

Go to top of current page: ​Develop learner profiles

What to include in a learner profile

What to include in a learner profile

Discuss with the student and their whānau what to include in a learner profile.

  • 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

Build the learner profile over time

Build the learner profile over time

Learner profiles can help school staff build relationships with ākonga and their whānau, understand their perspectives and design learning to meet student needs.

Considerations for learner profiles.

  • Provide multiple opportunities and methods to develop the profile.
  • Prioritise information from students by using effective communication techniques, for example, point to select, or communication boards.
  • Revisit the profile on a regular basis to add depth and new insights.
  • Use a range of input methods such as conversations, observations, formal reviews and regular surveys.
  • Encourage students to understand their needs and preferences as a learner.
  • Act on information that is shared so students can see how their voice helps you design learning experiences that work for them.

Survey students about preferences

Survey students about preferences

Ask students what supports their learning and what gets in the way.

I personally do a survey at the beginning of every class, every semester ... to get an idea of who is in the classroom to begin with and what they would benefit, or what they want to see in the class, what would work [and not work] for them.

Nancy Searcy

Source: Student profiles - UDL supporting diversity in BC schools (opens in a new tab/window)

Source:
Student profiles - UDL supporting diversity in BC schools

Useful resources

Useful resources

Developing learner profiles

Developing learner profiles

Read time: 3 min

This document provides general support and guidance when developing a learner profile. It includes prompts and questions, alongside purpose and benefits for students.

Publisher:

Download PDF (211 KB)

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)

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Value what each student brings ”:

Return to the guide “Developing an inclusive classroom culture ”

11457 [Inclusive-classroom-culture.jpg]

Inclusive classroom culture

- Popular

How to use this site

Guide to Index of the guide: Inclusive classroom culture

Strategies for action:

Key resources:

Top

This is a Ministry of Education initiative​​​​​​​. We shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes.

This information was downloaded/printed from the Ministry of Education's website "Inclusive Education". Except where otherwise noted it is Crown Copyright 2018.

Information on the Inclusive Education website is regularly updated so we recommend you check the website version of this information to ensure it remains current.