SayPro TYPES OF ASSISTANCE OR SUPPORT THAT LEARNERS MAY NEED (AC 1)

Description

Learners may need support in the following areas (this covers both learning and personal support).

a) Academic support

Academic support refers to the kind of assistance provided to support learners with intellectual and cognitive knowledge necessary in the various courses they study in order to create a conducive learning environment that promotes and enhances learning. Academic support includes:

· Face-to-face tutor support

· Mentoring

· Peer support

· Workshops

· Telephone discussions

· Group discussions

· Technological support.

Academic support also embraces definition of overall course structure, explanation of concepts, provision of feedback, and improvement of relevant skills as well as consistent monitoring of learners.

b) Administrative support

Administrative or non-academic support mainly focuses on organisational issues and affective support for learners so as to ensure that learners have adequate facilities and resources for learning and accessibility to information. Administrative support can include the following essential services:

· Student registration

· Fees payment

· Sending short message system (sms)

· Sending e-mails

· Sending materials by post, learning centers and call centers.

· Advising ,administering and assessing academic activities

c) Emotional support—this includes activities such as peer mentoring and recovery coaching, as well as recovery support groups.

d) Informational support—this includes provision of health and wellness information, educational assistance, and help in acquiring new skills, ranging from life skills to employment readiness and career progression.

e) Instrumental support—this includes assistance in filling out applications and obtaining entitlements, or transportation to support-group meetings.

f) Social support—this includes helping learners who are withdrawn feel connected and enjoy being with others, especially in recreational. Social support can be provided to learners who are recovering from any addiction.

g) Technical and specialist support

There are two main reasons why learners may need some kind of technical support:

• The demands of the programme – special equipment or facilities that learners may need
• To help learners with learning difficulties and disabilities.

If a programme requires learners to learn and work on specialist equipment, such as computer-aided design facilities, it’s important to find out the exact specification of the equipment and where learners can access it. It may be available on employers’ premises or at a college or specialist training centre. Technological advances have made an enormous difference to access to learning for learners with difficulties and disabilities. This is particularly true for learners who have physical or sensory impairments, and those who are dyslexic or have learning difficulties. Effective use of technology hinges on detailed and effective assessment, followed by reviews at appropriate stages. It also requires human support through enablers, technicians and scribes.