Analysing the teaching and learning needsWorkshop for WSI CGVE / ABE teachers

Carol Walsh

V.104 20.02.2006

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Outline

What is involved in a needs analysis?

What information do I need to gather?

Example of current learning resource project (Preparation for Work and Study – numeracy resources)

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What is a needs analysis?

A needs analysis is a detailed investigation of the resource need/s to help find a solution to those need/s.

A needs analysis helps to define the type of resource that will be developed. It involves:

■ building a profile of the target audience

■ Identifying the nature of the learning environment

■ Identifying the education and training needs

■ determining how the content will be organised

■ determining the digital media requirements

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Building a profile of the target audience and the learning environment

Find out about the broad characteristics of the students and/or teachers who will use the resource, including:

■ age

■ gender

■ level of language and literacy skills

■ computer skills

■ computer access

■ prior knowledge of the content

■ online experience

■ access to teacher support and or peer contact

■ any other defining characteristics

Questions to ask:

Why would they use this resource?

How would they use this resource?

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Education and training needs

Find out more about the nature of the content and the education and training requirements for the resource. Refer to the:

■ training package

■ specific units of competence (check the unit guides, range statements as well as the elements and performance criteria)

■ syllabus documents

Determine the learning design approach:

■ What skills and knowledge are required?

■ What content will be required to meet the education and training needs of the resource?

■ How will the content be organised?

■ What activity types will be appropriate for this target audience?

■ What pedagogical models would be most appropriate?

■ What delivery options are realistic and achievable?

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Media requirements

Start thinking about the type of media that will be appropriate for the target users. Is there a need for:

■ graphics, including images

■ illustrations

■ video

■ audio

■ animations

■ Interactive activities

■ tools for reflection and collaboration (Blogs, Wikis, Social bookmarking, Virtual conferencing)

Technical and accessibility requirements:

■ DET technical specifications for developing online resources

■ http://www.cli.nsw.edu.au/optionkeys/

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Preparation for Work and Study (PWS) – numeracy resources project

Steps involved in analysing the teaching and learning needs for PWS numeracy resource project:

■ established reference group of key stakeholders

■ researched the target audience

● low literacy and numeracy skills

● low confidence

● limited computer skills

● wide age range

● self-paced and teacher assisted

■ identified specific units of competence (checked the unit guides, range statements as well as the elements and performance criteria)

■ began mapping themes to units of competence

■ surveyed teachers using ‘survey monkey’ (The survey can be accessed at

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=970573930112)

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Summarise the needs and plan the project

Once the needs have been identified:

■ Find the solution (eg, Self-paced learning resource? Collection of existing tools or resources with a learner guide?

■ develop a project plan

For PWS numeracy project the teaching and learning resources will include:

■ CD-ROM containing existing resources (for teachers)

■ DVD video for contextual information (for learners)

■ CD-ROM containing activities, printable resources, audio, high level of graphics)