Learning Needs Assessment

An important part of Instructional Design is to conduct a needs analysis or assessment to answer the following questions prior to creating training content:

At times, training may be seen as a solution to a problem that in reality can be solved by a different intervention. A thorough needs assessment can uncover whether training is indeed the correct solution.

When training is the right solution, what is the end goal that the organization is trying to achieve? Examples could be:

– Filling a knowledge gap
– Fulfilling a requirement (mandatory training)
– Acquiring a new skill
– An improvement in performance
– etc.

The following needs to be considered in the planning phase

– Who will be needing the training?
– What is the background of the learners?
– What is their motivation for participating in the training?
– How familiar are the learners with the proposed training material?

In order to create the right training solution, instructional designers need to gather pertinent information from various sources that will be used in the design of the instructional material. 

A needs assessment also explores any logistical considerations or requirements that may exist in order to make the proper recommendations regarding a proposed training solution. This could include the following:

– Learning objectives
– Type of training (single vs. multiple sessions, certification program, etc.)
– Mode of instruction (instructor-led, e-learning, video, etc.)
– Timeframes
– Need for recurring training

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