Learner snapshot

Your task (keep it simple)

Create a 1-page Learner Snapshot

This is your most important design tool
Keep it focused — not detailed
You will actively use this in Step 2

Identifying and understanding the disadvantaged learner

If you are not sure what disadvantaged learner cohort to target, then use the following guide to engage with local stakeholders: ⇢ STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT GUIDE (.pdf)

If you are lacking insights on your disadvantaged learner cohort, then use the following guide to engage with them: ⇢ LEARNER INSIGHTS (.pdf)

Capture only what matters most.

⇢ LEARNER SNAPSHOT TEMPLATE DOWNLOAD (.pdf)

⇢ LEARNER SNAPSHOT TEMPLATE DOWNLOAD (.docx)

A. Who are your learners?

  • Who is this course for?
  • What is their current situation (work, life, experience)?
  • What do they need to be able to do?

Keep it short (2–3 lines)

B. Key barriers (choose 2–3 only)

  • What might stop them from starting a course?
  • What might stop them from completing a course?
  • What will stop them from engaging fully?

Examples:

  • Time constraints (work, family, shift patterns)
  • Low confidence / returning to learning
  • Digital skills or access
  • Language or literacy challenges
  • Cost or access to resources
  • Feeling isolated or unsupported

Be specific — avoid general statements

C. Motivations & goals

  • Why would they take this course?
  • What problem does it solve?
  • What do they want to achieve?

Keep it practical and direct

Examples:

  • To access education later in life and meet long-held ambitions
  • improve job skills
  • become more employable
  • To change career
  • To gain qualifications they missed earlier due to family, financial, or social barriers
  • To build confidence

D. Support needs

  • What will help them succeed?
  • What will help them engage?
  • What will make it a more enjoyable experience?

Examples:

  • Clear instructions
  • Early guidance (Weeks 1–2)
  • Flexible deadlines
  • Regular check-ins
E. Learning preferences (keep realistic)
  • How do they learn best?
  • How do they prefer to engage with content?
  • What assessment formats offer the most value?

Examples:

  • Short, bite-sized content
  • Practical, real-world tasks
  • Peer interaction (if useful)
  • Flexible formats (online/blended)

Avoid assumptions — base this on evidence

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