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Date
26 August 2025
Link
inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/supporting-akonga-maori/consider-learner-profiles

Ask the learner what will help and consider a learner profile

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Knowing your Māori learners and their contexts’

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Ask what helps

Ask what helps

Māori rangatahi who identify as Deaf help schools to have a better understanding of their access and communication needs, and their aspirations.
Video hosted on Youtube http://youtu.be/_4Zk4WDJkhs

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga (NZ) (opens in a new tab/window)

Closed Captions

Source:
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga (NZ)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4Zk4WDJkhs#t=103

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.

Student suggestions

Student suggestions

Student, Brigham Riwai-Couch shares his perspective of the top 10 things that make a difference for him as a learner.

Video hosted on Vimeo http://vimeo.com/325105212

Source: Evaluation Associates Ltd. (opens in a new tab/window)

No captions or transcript

Source:
Evaluation Associates Ltd.
https://vimeo.com/325105212

Useful resources

Useful resources

Website

Cultural Relationships for Responsive Pedagogy video kete

A collection of videos, each supported by a summary of key content and a conversation framework.

Publisher: Poutama Pounamu

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Know your Māori learners”:

Return to the guide “Supporting ākonga Māori”

11439 [Maori-students.jpg]

Supporting ākonga Māori

How to use this site

Guide to Index of the guide: Supporting ākonga Māori

Understand:

Strategies for action:

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