Date
03 December 2024

Ask the student what will help and consider a learner profile

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

On this page:

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.

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.

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

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.

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)

About me

About me

This learner profile template is a companion to "Developing learner profiles". It is an interactive PDF with questions for students to answer.

Download PDF (596 KB)

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”

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