ABSTRACT
In this chapter we describe how to plan and implement a strengths analysis which will enable you to adapt a curriculum which will build on learners’ existing knowledge and skills to address their learning objectives and needs. This step-by-step guide enables you to take a holistic view of the learners as you consider the various domains that impact upon their learning, including: their physical health; social, emotional, spiritual, and cultural wellbeing; linguistic background; academic subject area knowledge and skills as well as other issues. We identify various potential sources you can seek out to gather information, such as stakeholders (e.g., the students themselves, family members and others, etc.). We also describe in detail a range of methods to help you collect information, such as talking or yarning and observing. We show you how to organise and analyse the information collected and apply what you discover to adapt the curriculum. The process makes it possible for you to discover learners’ interests, what motivates them, what they are good at and how they learn best. As such, it provides opportunities to develop positive relationships with learners and their families. The findings (results) of the strengths analysis can support your decisions when adapting the curriculum, which becomes a learning program that is based on evidence, not intuition. Importantly, the findings enable you to capitalise on student strengths to help them achieve their academic goals.
