Learning mentor jobs in Finland
Learning mentors support underperforming students both inside and outside of the classroom in order to increase their academic success. They assist students experiencing (multiple) disadvantages, such as learning difficulties, behavioural issues, and attendance problems, and also assist gifted students who are under-challenged. They may also work with adult students in the further education system. Learning mentors develop schedules and action plans with the students in order to plan the necessary mentoring activities and monitor progress. They also liaise with the students' teachers, educational psychologists, school social workers and, if necessary, with the student's parents, in order to improve the student's educational development.
Learning mentor - Which skills are essential?
The process of analysing a student's learning needs through observation and testing, potentially followed by the diagnosis of a learning disorder and a plan for additional support.
Communicate with multiple parties, including teachers and the family of the student, to discuss the student's behaviour or academic performance.
Supervise the student's social behaviour to discover anything unusual. Help solve any issues if necessary.
Communicate with education management, such as the school principal and board members, and with the education support team such as the teaching assistant, school counsellor or academic advisor on issues relating the students' well-being.
Take students' personal backgrounds into consideration when teaching, showing empathy and respect.
Identify the learning struggles and successes of students. Select teaching and learning strategies that support students’ individual learning needs and goals.
The learning disorders some students face in an academic context, especially Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and concentration deficit disorders.
The often emotionally disruptive types of behaviour a child or adult can show, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.
Provide an environment that supports and values children and helps them to manage their own feelings and relationships with others.
Use verbal and non-verbal communication and communicate through writing, electronic means, or drawing. Adapt your communication to children and young people`s age, needs, characteristics, abilities, preferences, and culture.
The malfunction in a person's ability to comprehend, process and share concepts in various forms, such as verbal, non verbal or graphical during language, hearing, and speech communication processes.
Support and coach students in their work, give learners practical support and encouragement.
Supervise and potentially organise educational or recreational activities for the students outside of mandatory classes.
Communicate with the school staff such as teachers, teaching assistants, academic advisors, and the principal on issues relating to students' well-being. In the context of a university, liaise with the technical and research staff to discuss research projects and courses-related matters.
Stimulate students to appreciate their own achievements and actions to nurture confidence and educational growth.
Provide assistance to students with educational, career-related or personal issues such as course selection, school adjustment en social integration, career exploration and planning, and family problems.
Learning mentor - Which skills are useful but not essential?
Communicate with teachers or other professionals working in education in order to identify needs and areas of improvement in education systems, and to establish a collaborative relationship.
Provide assistance in the planning and organisation of school events, such as the school's open house day, a sports game or a talent show.
Counselling techniques used in different settings and with various groups and individuals, especially concerning methods of supervision and mediation in the counselling process.
Ensure all students falling under an instructor or other person’s supervision are safe and accounted for. Follow safety precautions in the learning situation.
Help the accepted students with the enrolment in a certain programme. Prepare legal documents and support the students as they settle in.
Set up, in collaboration with the student, an individual learning plan (ILP), tailored to the student's specific learning needs, taking into account the student's weaknesses and strengths.
Help children and young people to assess their social, emotional and identity needs and to develop a positive self image, enhance their self esteem and improve their self reliance.
The area of law and legislation that concerns education policies and the people working in the sector in an (inter)national context, such as teachers, students, and administrators.
The study of human behaviour and performance with respect to various school processes, the learning needs of young individuals, and the psychological tests accompanying this field of study.
The inner workings of a primary school, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.
Treat individuals as partners in planning, developing and assessing care, to make sure it is appropriate for their needs. Put them and their caregivers at the heart of all decisions.
Identify the needs of students, organisations and companies in terms of provision of education in order to aid in the development of curricula and education policies.
Identify the necessary resources needed for learning purposes, such as materials in class or arranged transportation for a field trip. Apply for the corresponding budget and follow up on the orders.
The study of human behaviour, performance, and psychological development from infancy to adolescence.
Understand safeguarding and what should be done in cases of actual or potential harm or abuse.
Assist teachers in classroom instruction by providing and preparing lesson materials, monitoring the students during their work and helping them in their learning where necessary.
Observe students' recreational activities to ensure student safety and well-being and intervene when necessary.
The human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.
The inner workings of a secondary school, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.
Fill education gaps by organising projects and activities that help people to grow academically, socially or emotionally.