Primary school learner profile
An example of a NZ primary school student’s learner profile, developed by the adults around her.
Ask the student what will help
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Identify needs and how to provide support’
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Ask what helps
Ask what helps
Katrina, a high school student from Onslow College makes recommendations about ways teachers can support her learning.
Video hosted on Vimeo
http://vimeo.com/100662365
Get to know your learner over time
Get to know your learner 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. There are many creative 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
- Students 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
- Students 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 student 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 students can add post-its or pictures under categories:
“I feel calm when…”
“I like learning with…”
“I want to get better at…”
Let students personalise learner profiles
Let students personalise learner profiles
A learner profile is created by students and whānau.
Students can choose to present information in any media.
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Source:
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
Useful resources
Useful resources
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.
PATH Planning Process
This site provides in-depth information about the process of PATH planning from a person-centred, kotahitanga approach.
Examples of learner profiles
Examples of learner profiles
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 “Identify needs and how to provide support”:
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Current page Ask the student what will help
Return to the guide “Down syndrome and learning”
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Down syndrome and learning
Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Identify needs and how to provide supportShow suggestions for Identify needs and how to provide support
- Ask the student what will help
- Partner with whānau
- Assessment and monitoring
- Organisations, programmes and resources
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Key areas to supportShow suggestions for Key areas to support
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Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8
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Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13
