Learning Needs
Learning needs is the gap between the learner’s current level of knowledge and skills, and the level of knowledge and skills required to perform a task or a set of tasks. The actual needs differ, as do the methods employed to meet those needs.
Why are they important?
- needs assessment has been conducted,
- the education is linked to practice,
- personal incentive drives the educational effort,
- and there is some reinforcement of the learning.
Learning needs assessment is thus crucial in the educational process. They are a key step in the learning cycle.
Living School Learning Support
At Living School we cater for all students. This is done in every class with teachers differentiating programs to cater for individual needs. Sometimes this is not enough to ensure that students are learning to their full potential. Learning Support exists to further support students, teachers and families in assisting students to learn. This may involve deploying further adjustments to the existing class program, having the student undertake an intervention program or seeking additional professional advice from outside the school.
Learning Support is premised upon teamwork and collaboration. Students always remain the responsibility of the classroom teacher.
It is important teachers do not label students or make diagnoses/references to learning ‘disabilities’ when they are not professionally trained to do so. If you have assessed a student and you feel there is an area that requires additional support, please discuss this first with the Learning Neighbourhood Director, who may seek support of the Advocate or an external clinical psychologist’s support*
*finding an external psychologist is not easy and there is a cost, which the school will not cover
