Learning Support
Who provides learning support?
What is learning support?
In the broadest sense Learning Support relates to any activity beyond the ‘content’ of a course. The aim of Learning Support is to ensure a good match between the learning environment and the student.
The term Learning Support in school or college generally relates to the provision of additional to tuition either on a one to one basis, or in small groups. This tuition often focuses on literacy, numeracy and key skills.
Help with coursework, study skills, and assistance with particular difficulties is also likely to be on offer in College.
Colleges also provide Extended Learning Support, which relates to the tasks tutors or advisors may be involved in when providing access for students with additional support needs such as booking interpreters, making alternative arrangements for assessments and liaising with external agencies.
back to top
Who provides Learning Support?
This depends on how a College structures its support.
Most Colleges offer students a named contact for support, a disability advisor or learning support tutor. In some Colleges it may be a course tutor that takes on this role.
Colleges tend to give different titles to support staff and roles also differ from College to College.
In some Colleges interpreters and communication workers, and/or learning assistants may offer learning support. It is recommended that this support is provided under the guidance of a qualified tutor.
It is likely to be useful for named contacts for support to be provided for students at the pre-entry stage or at induction.
back to top
What does Learning Support involve?
Learning Support includes a vast range of activities. The diagram below is intended to outline the type of activities involved in Learning Support. The list is not exhaustive.
back to top |
