Co-opting learners: addressing their learning support needs through a learning support needs questionnaire. part one: the rationale and basis of the learning support needs questionnaire

Abstract

This article is concerned with the context, background and rationale of a Learning Support Needs Questionnaire, arising from the authors' current research into the learning support needs of students, especially distance education students. Learning support needs are defined as those aspects of assistance, guidance and assurance that students need to maintain their involvement and activity in academic studies sufficient for them to complete and (hopefully) suceed in their studies. In the authors' previous research they identified three types of learning support needs, these being practical, emotional and academic support. The learning support needs are explained here, as are the educational principles underlying the Learning Support Needs Questionnaire. In particular, given that students are not passive recipients of learning, but have to produce or construct learning, the questionnaire seeks, through an action planning component, to co-opt the students into the learning process.