Adapt teaching to student’s capabilities

Identify the learning struggles and successes of students. Select teaching and learning strategies that support students’ individual learning needs and goals.

modify teaching to student’s capabilities
adapting teaching to student’s capabilities
adjust teaching to student’s capabilities
adapts teaching to student’s capabilities

skill/competence

cross-sector

Adapt teaching to student’s capabilities is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Performing arts theatre instructor: Performing arts theatre instructors educate students in specific theory and, primarily, practice-based theatre courses at a specialised theatre, or acting, school or conservatory at a higher education level. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master in theatre. Performing arts theatre instructors monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance of theatre practice through assignments, tests and examinations.
Adult literacy teacher: Adult literacy teachers instruct adult students, including recent immigrants and early school leavers, in basic reading and writing skills, usually on primary school level. Adult literacy teachers involve the students in the planning and executing of their reading activities, and assess and evaluate them individually through assignments and examinations.
Special educational needs teacher secondary school: Special educational needs teachers at secondary schools provide specially-designed instruction to students on with a variety of disabilities on a secondary school level and ensure they reach their learning potential. Some special educational needs teachers at secondary schools work with children who have mild to moderate disabilities, implementing a modified curriculum to fit each student’s specific needs. Other special educational needs teachers at secondary schools assist and instruct students with intellectual disabilities and autism, focusing on teaching them basic and advanced literacy, life and social skills. All teachers assess the students’ progress, taking into account their strengths and weaknesses, and communicate their findings to parents, counselors, administrators and other parties involved.
Primary school teacher: Primary school teachers instruct students on a primary school level. They develop lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives for the variety of subjects they teach, including mathematics, languages, nature studies and music. They monitor the students’ learning development and evaluate their knowledge and skills on the subjects taught through tests. They build their course content on the students’ knowledge of previous learnings and encourage them to deepen their understanding on the subjects they are interested in. They use class resources and teaching methods to create an inspiring learning environment. Primary school teachers also contribute to school events and communicate with parents and administrative staff.
Maritime instructor: Maritime instructors teach all those occupationally piloting a boat or a ship, such as skippers and ship captains, how to operate their inland water boats or maritime ships according to regulations. They teach their students theory and techniques on how to optimally pilot, steer and navigate, and maintain their specific boat or ship, observe and evaluate the students’ practice. They also focus on non-steering related subjects such as customer service (in case of person transportation) and safety measure regulations.
Golf instructor: Golf instructors train and teach golf to individuals or groups. They train their clients by demonstrating and explaining techniques such as the correct posture and swinging techniques. They give feedback on how a student can do exercises better and improve the skill level. The golf instructor advises what equipment is best suited for the student.
ICT teacher secondary school: ICT teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, ICT. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of ICT through assignments, tests and examinations.
Teacher of talented and gifted students: Talented and gifted students co-ordinators ensure suitable education is provided to talented and gifted students, commonly children and young adults, on various levels. They oversee the implementation of the school’s gifted policy, monitor the students’ progress, and suggest extra activities to stretch and stimulate.
Learning support teacher: Learning support teachers assist students who have general learning difficulties. Learning support teachers focus on basic skills such as numeracy and literacy and thus teach basic subjects such as writing, reading, math and languages and they work for an educational institution such as a primary or secondary school. They support students in their school work, plan learning strategies, identify their learning needs and progress, and act accordingly. They can work in various educational set-ups and act as support for other teachers or manage their own class.
Hospitality vocational teacher: Hospitality vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, hospitality, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a hospitality-related profession, such as hotel receptionist or housekeeper. Hospitality vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of hospitality through assignments, tests and examinations.
Science teacher secondary school: Science teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, science. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of science through assignments, tests and examinations.
Dance teacher: Dance teachers instruct students in a recreational context in the various dance genres and forms, such as ballet, jazz, tap, ballroom, hip-hop, latin, folk dance etc. They provide students with a notion of dance history and repertoire, but mainly focus on a practice-based approach in their courses, in which they assist students in experimenting with and mastering different dance and dramatic expression styles and techniques and encourage them to develop their own style. They cast, choreograph and produce performances, and coordinate the technical production and the set, props and costume usage on stage.
Public speaking coach: Public speaking coaches provide, often private, instruction to clients in theory and techniques on how to improve their public speaking skills. They identify each client’s strengths and weaknesses and tailor their instruction to their specific needs, which may include improving the client’s vocal delivery, articulation, presentation abilities and body language. Depending on the background of the client, be it business, education or otherwise, public speaking coaches also instruct clients or students in persuasive arguing, rhetorical delivery and other debating techniques.
Motorcycle instructor: Motorcycle driver instructors teach people the theory and practice of how to operate a motorcycle safely and according to regulations. They assist students in developing the skills needed to ride and prepare them for the theory test and the practical riding test.
History teacher secondary school: History teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, history. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of history through assignments, tests and examinations.
Ice-skating coach: Ice-skating coaches teach and train individuals or groups in ice skating and related sports such as figure skating and speed skating. They teach their clients theoretical knowledge and train fitness, strength and physical coordination. Ice-skating instructors prepare and conduct training sessions. They will support their clients if they participate in competitions.
Classical languages teacher secondary school: Classical languages teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, classical languages. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of classical languages through assignments, tests and examinations.
Vessel steering instructor: Vessel steering instructors teach people the theory and practice of how to operate a vessel safely and according to regulations. They assist students in developing the skills needed to steer and prepare them for the driving theory and the driving examinations. They may also supervise driving examinations.
Religious education teacher secondary school: Religious education teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, religion. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of religion through assignments, tests and examinations.
Food service vocational teacher: Food service vocational teachers for food service instruct students in their specialised field of study, food service, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a food service-related profession. Food service vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of food service through assignments, tests and examinations.
Occupational driving instructor: Occupational driving instructors teach occupational drivers how to operate their vehicles according to driving regulations. They teach their students theory and techniques on how to optimally drive and maintain their specific vehicle, observe and evaluate the students’ practice. They also focus on non-driving related subjects such as customer service (in case of person transportation drivers) and safety measure regulations.
Football coach: Football coaches train amateur or professional football teams of either youths or adults. Football coaches develop and execute training plans and improve or maintain their players physical condition, football technique and tactical abilities. They prepare their team for competitions and choose the line-up and tactics for a game. During a game coaches may give instructions from the sidelines and are in charge of substituting players. 
Steiner school teacher: Steiner school teachers educate students using approaches that reflect the (Waldorf) Steiner philosophy and principles. They focus on practical, hands-on activities in the curriculum and instruct their classes in a manner that emphasises the development of the students’ social, creative and artistic capacities. Steiner school teachers instruct students in similar subjects to the ones in standardised education, although using a different approach, and with the exception of a higher amount of classes focused on creative and artistic practice and theory. They use teaching techniques that support the (Waldorf) Steiner school philosophy, evaluate students’ learning progress and communicate with other school staff.
Learning mentor: 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.
Business administration vocational teacher: Business administration vocational teachers for business administration instruct students in their specialised field of study, business administration, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a business administration-related profession, such as accountant or banker. Business administration vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of business administration through assignments, tests and examinations.
Sports coach: Sports coaches provide instruction in the sport of their specialisation in a recreational context to non-age-specific and age specific participants. They identify already acquired skills and implement suitable training programmes for the groups or individuals they teach in order to develop participants’ physical and psychological fitness. They create the most optimal environment for the growth of participant skills and enable them to maximise their performance, while fostering good sportsmanship and character in all participants. Sports coaches also track the participant progress and provide personalised instruction where needed. They supervise sports facilities and changing rooms and maintain uniforms and equipment.
Digital literacy teacher: Digital literacy teachers instruct students in the theory and practice of (basic) computer usage. They teach students digital literacy and, optionally, more advanced principles of computer science. They prepare the students with knowledge of software programmes ensure that computer hardware equipment is properly used. Digital literacy teachers construct and revise course content and assignments, and update them according to technological developments.
Electricity and energy vocational teacher: Electricity and energy vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, electricity and energy, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a electricity and energy-related profession. Electricity and energy vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of electricity and energy through assignments, tests and examinations.
Bus driving instructor: Bus driving instructors teach people the theory and practice of how to operate a bus safely and according to regulations. They assist students in developing the skills needed to drive and prepare them for the driving theory tests and the practical driving test.
Photography teacher: Photography teachers instruct students in the various techniques and styles of photography, such as (group) portrait, nature, travel, macro, underwater, black and white, panoramic, motion, etc. They provide students with a notion of photography history, but mainly focus on a practice-based approach in their courses, in which they assist students in experimenting with and mastering different photography techniques and encourage them to develop their own style. Photography teachers monitor students’ progress and set up exhibitions to show of students’ work to the public.
Industrial arts vocational teacher: Industrial arts vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, industrial arts, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for an industrial arts-related profession, working with wood and metal, such as carpenter or sheet metal worker. Industrial arts vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of industrial arts through assignments, tests and examinations.
Beauty vocational teacher: Beauty vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, beauty, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a cosmetology-related profession, such as manicurist and make-up and hair designer. Beauty vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of cosmetology through assignments, tests and examinations.
Travel and tourism vocational teacher: Travel and tourism vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, travel and tourism, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a travel and tourism-related profession. Travel and tourism vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of travel and tourism through assignments, tests and examinations.
Survival instructor: Survival instructors guide groups into vast, natural areas, and assist them in a self-directed instruction of basic survival needs without any comfort facilities or modern gear to fall back on. They coach the participants into mastering survival skills such as fire making, producing primitive equipment, shelter construction and procurement of water and nourishment. They ensure the participants are aware of certain safety measures without diminishing the level of adventure, of environment protection and of risk management. They encourage efforts of leadership from the group and mentor the participants individually so as to push their limits responsibly and help overcome potential fears.
Fine arts instructor: Fine arts instructors educate students in specific theory and, primarily, practice-based fine arts courses at a specialised fine arts school or conservatory at a higher education level, including drawing, painting and sculpturing. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master in the fine arts. Fine arts instructors monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the fine arts through, often practical, assignments, tests and examinations.
Outdoor activities instructor: Outdoor activities instructors organise and lead recreational outdoor trips through which the participants learn skills such as hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, canoeing, rafting, rope course climbing etc. They also provide team-building exercises and activity workshops for disadvantaged participants. They ensure the safety of the participants and the equipment and explain safety measures for the participants to understand themselves as well. Outdoor activities instructors should be prepared to deal with the consequences of bad weather conditions, accidents and should responsibly manage possible anxiety from participants concerning certain activities.
Early years teacher: Early years teachers instruct students, primarily young children, in basic subjects and creative play with the aim of developing their social and intellectual skills in an informal way in preparation for future formal learning. They create lesson plans, possibly in accordance with a fixed curriculum, for an entire class or smaller groups and test the students on the content. These lesson plans, based on basic subjects, can include the instruction of number, letter, and colour recognition, days of the week, categorisation of animals and transport vehicles etc. Early years teachers also supervise students outside the classroom on school grounds and enforce rules of behaviour there as well.
Physics teacher secondary school: Physics teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, physics. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of physics through assignments, tests and examinations.
Electronics and automation vocational teacher: Electronics and automation vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, electronics and automation, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for an electronics and automation-related profession, such as electrician or technicians involved in automating production processes. Electronics and automation vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of electronics and automation through assignments, tests and examinations.
Tutor: Tutors provide personalised education to the children of employers or to adults, in addition to the main education system. They help students improve their knowledge and competence of a specific subject, at their own pace. Tutors will teach their students study techniques and strategies in order to ensure their academic development and will assess the student’s progress throughout the tutoring sessions.
Lifeguard instructor: Lifeguard instructors teach future (professional) lifeguards the necessary programmes and methods needed to become a licensed lifeguard. They provide training on safety supervision of all swimmers, assessment of potentially hazardous situations, rescue-specific swimming and diving techniques, first aid treatment for swimming-related injuries, and they inform students on preventative lifeguard responsibilities. They ensure students are aware of the importance of checking safe water quality, heeding risk management and being aware of the necessary protocols and regulations regarding lifeguarding and rescuing. They monitor the students’ progress, evaluate them through theoretical and practical tests and award the lifeguard licenses when obtained.
Music teacher secondary school: Music teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, music. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of music through assignments, tests and examinations.
Secondary school teacher: Secondary school teachers provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually specialist subject teachers, who instruct in their own field of study. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary and evaluate their knowledge and performance through assignments, tests and examinations.
Special educational needs itinerant teacher: Special educational needs itinerant teachers instruct disabled or sick children in their homes. They are specialised teachers employed by (public) schools to teach those unable to physically attend school, but also to assist the student, the parents and the school in their communication. They also fulfil the function of a social school worker by helping the students and parents with a student’s potential behavioural issues and enforce, if necessary, school attendance regulations. In case of a possible physical (re)admission to school, visiting teachers advise the school regarding suitable classroom guidance strategies and advisable teaching methods to support the student and make the transition as agreeable as possible.
Occupational railway instructor: Occupational railway instructors teach future occupational drivers of railway transportation, such as train, tram, metro and trolley drivers how to operate their railway vehicle according to regulations. They teach their students theory and techniques on how to optimally drive and maintain their specific railway vehicle, observe and evaluate the students’ practice. They also focus on non-driving related subjects such as customer service (in case of person transportation) and safety measure regulations.
Further education teacher: Further education teachers organise and teach programmes designed specifically for adult learners. They impart a wide spectrum of subjects, ranging from academic areas such as mathematics and history, to trainings for personalitiy development, technical expertise or practical courses like languages and ICT. They teach and support adults aspiring to broaden their knowledge and their personal and professional skills and/or to achieve further qualifications. Further education teachers consider the previous knowledge and the work and life experience of the learners. They individualize their teaching and involve the students in the planning and executing of their learning activities. Further education teachers design reasonable assignments and examinations suitable to their adult learners.
Visual arts teacher: Visual arts teachers instruct students in various styles of visual arts, such as drawing, painting, and sculpting, in a recreational context. They provide students with an overview of art history, but primarily utilise a practice-based approach in their courses, in which they assist students to experiment with and master different artistic techniques, and encourage them to develop their own style.
Medical laboratory technology vocational teacher: Medical laboratory technology vocational teachers technology instruct students in their specialised field of study, medical laboratory technology, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a medical laboratory technology-related profession. Medical laboratory technology vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of medical laboratory technology through assignments, tests and examinations.
Montessori school teacher: Montessori school teachers educate students using approaches that reflect the Montessori philosophy and principles. They focus on constructivist and “learning through discovery” teaching models, through which they encourage students to learn from first-hand experience rather than through direct instruction and thus provide the students with a relatively high level of freedom. They adhere to a specific curriculum that respects the students’ natural, physical, social and psychological development. Montessori school teachers also teach classes with students differing up to three years in age in rather large groups, manage, and evaluate all the students separately according to the Montessori school philosophy.
Performing arts school dance instructor: Performing arts school dance instructors educate students in specific theory and, primarily, practice-based dance courses at a specialised dance school or conservatory at a higher education level. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for dance. Performing arts school dance instructors monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the dance through, often practical, assignments, tests and examinations.

Adapt teaching to student’s capabilities is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Sign language teacher: Sign language school teachers educate non-age-specific students in sign language. They teach sign language to both students with or without special educational needs such as deafness. They organise their classes using a variety of lesson materials, work interactively with the group, and assess and evaluate their individual progress through assignments and examinations.

References

1. Adapt teaching to student’s capabilities – ESCO