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.

Tasks

In such cases tasks performed would include -
(a) Assessing students’ level of ability and determining learning needs;
(b) Planning, preparing and delivering programmes of study, lessons and workshops for individual students and groups;
(c) Preparing and presenting material on the theory of the subject area being studied;
(d) Instructing and demonstrating practical aspects of the subject area being studied;
(e) Assigning exercises and work relevant to students’ level of ability, interests and aptitude;
(f) Assessing students and offering advice, criticism and encouragement;
(g) Revising curricula, course content, course materials and methods of instruction
(h) Preparing students for examinations and assessments;
(i) Counselling students regarding educational issues such as course and programme selection, class scheduling, school adjustment, truancy, study habits and career planning;
(j) Counselling students to help them understand and overcome personal, social or behavioural problems affecting their education;
(k) Preparing students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.