Students cannot learn and grow to their full potential when their needs aren’t being met – something we saw clearly during the height of the pandemic. The ABCDE of Learner Needs provides an easy-to-implement framework for understanding gaps so that teachers have a clear view into areas where extra support can be provided in service of their teaching goals.
The ABCDE of Learner Needs provides teachers with a simple, effective framework for understanding the foundational needs of their students and themselves, based on an adaption of the five core human needs as defined by psychologist William Glasser, and decades of research from educators and child development experts. Reflection tools for each need are available on the ABCDE of Learner Needs website as printable worksheets for use in the classroom or as a self-reflection exercise or within each of the ABCDE of Learner Needs digital guides, and are accessible tools as a first step in understanding where additional supports are needed.
The ABCDE of Learner Needs was originally created to be used by teachers in the Inspired Teaching Institute – a year-long program for educators of all grade and experience levels. We then adapted it for use in a residency program for new teachers. During the pandemic, we began offering online training and created new online tools to make this more accessible to teachers around the globe who were experiencing new behavioral challenges both while online teaching and then when students returned to school with new social and emotional learning needs. We have also adapted the tool for specific use in an early childhood context and developed in-depth resource guides that combine the various forms of this tool we’ve been innovating in one location.
Designed to be straightforward and useful in an array of situations, teachers can use the ABCDE of Learner Needs as a classroom activity for students, as well as a self-reflection tool. It is also relevant for parents and any other individuals or organizations focused on education. It is accessible via the website, or institutions interested in in-depth curriculum can contact us directly.
