Learners have varying levels of ability and some will have their own specific requirements within a classroom. It is important that the teacher understands this whilst planning a class, delivering and during the assessment process.
Differentiation is a buzzword that has been associated with the industry for some time now. Ofsted are keen that teachers always understand that students within a class will have a range of different ability levels. Successful lessons / courses will challenge the A star student just as much as the student who is struggling for a pass grade. Of course this is a real challenge for all teachers across schools and colleges, but possible if the teachers is prepared and has access to a wide range of resources.
Inclusion also plays a role in meeting the individual needs of learners. It is important to keep everyone involved within the class and engaged with the taught material. There will always be a range of personalities in any classroom, each of whom may respond differently to the environment. Teachers can help individuals by creating interactive group tasks and involving the quiet learners as much as the loud ones.
Some learners will also require more support than others. This could come in the form of extra resources to help with their specific requirements or more time given during assessment tasks. It is the role of the teacher to identify these needs before the class starts to prevent the learners from feeling awkward or isolated.
This is not always possible on shorter courses, whereby a trainer / teacher may have to respond at the beginning of the day and consider any particular requests. For example someone with a visual impairment may request to sit closer to the front, which can easily be arranged without interfering on the rest of the group.
In conclusion there is lots to consider for anyone entering the world of teaching / training. Getting to know your learners is a must and will help build a sense of rapport and trust within the group.