Ask the learner what will help and consider a learner profile
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Knowing your Māori learners and their contexts’
On this page:
On this page:
Current page section: Ask the learner what will help
Go to top of current page: Ask the learner what will help
Go to top of current page: Ask the learner what will help
Go to top of current page: Ask the learner what will help
Ask what helps
Ask what helps
Innovate with getting to know your learner
Innovate with getting to know 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…”
Let ākonga personalise learner profiles
Let ākonga personalise learner profiles
A learner profile is created by ākonga and whānau.
Learners can choose to present information in any media.
![6357 [Learner-profile2.png]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Learner-profile2__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.png)
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.
No captions or transcript
Useful resources
Useful resources
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
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Know your Māori learners”:
-
Current page Ask the learner what will help
Return to the guide “Supporting ākonga Māori”
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Supporting ākonga Māori
Understand:
Strategies for action:
-
Developing cultural capabilityShow suggestions for Developing cultural capability
-
Explore Māori perspectives on inclusionShow suggestions for Explore Māori perspectives on inclusion
-
Know your Māori learnersShow suggestions for Know your Māori learners
- Build relationships
- Share mihi
- Ask the learner what will help
-
Establish reciprocal relationshipsShow suggestions for Establish reciprocal relationships
-
Build community networksShow suggestions for Build community networks
-
Co-design a culturally sustaining environmentShow suggestions for Co-design a culturally sustaining environment