| How can you find out what your students’ needs are? |
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Research taster
For pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties personalised strategies focused on their specific needs seem to be important. These include: one-to-one support, counselling or group therapy activities such as circle time or nurture groups. A close knowledge of the pupils’ strengths and needs is an essential first step in matching the strategies to what the pupils need.  How can we find out more about our pupils particularly those at risk of underachievement or of becoming disaffected?
Your evidence
This activity may help you to review what you know about a pupil in your class who is at risk of becoming disaffected. You could think about: • what you have been able to find out about the pupil through normal classroom learning activities • what you have learned about the pupil through informal chat • how the pupil behaves generally in class and around the school • how the pupil interacts with other children • what you have been able to learn about the pupil’s family background You might like to discuss the pupil with parents and other teachers, making notes as you go. Summarizing your key understandings and your areas of uncertainty might help you pinpoint the child's strengths and needs. You probably need to allow yourself time to develop such information gradually. (Adapted from Reflective Activity 5-2i) Moving forward Can you develop ways of finding out more about your pupils? You might like to invite all pupils to bring in a shoe box containing a selection of objects that are important in how they think, talk and relate to other people. Can you take advantage of informal opportunities to talk with and get to know pupils with particular needs – is this something you could initiate? How can you use this information to shape the educational provision that is appropriate for these pupils? Find out more  Hallam, S., Castle, F., Rogers, L., et al (2005) Research and Evaluation of the Behaviour Improvement Programme Research Report RR 702, London: DfES‘Nurture Groups – It’s the stories that matter’ Young minds Magazine, Nov. 2004 http://www.nurturegroups.org/about/ |
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