Competence model articlesDemonstrates an understanding of different educational methods and concepts for needs assessmentDesigning Educational ProgrammesDeveloping an educational approach based on the principles and values of non-formal learningKnowledge of ways and methods to identify learners' needs

Looking into the wider needs in a learning experience: Training Needs Assessment (TNA) model.

Introduction: The training development should always be based on learners’ needs and how to fulfill them in a significant giveaway. Based on learners’ needs, we develop the learning objectives of the training and the methods/activities that are functional to their achievements.

When we discuss learners’ needs and methodology for assessing them, we open a wide theoretical and practical chapter that we will analyze in this article and the ones that are referring to: “Skills to assess/analyze learners’ needs” and “Skills to adjust the educational approach to learners’ needs.”

I choose this tool, because as a trainer it is important that the educational methods and concepts are behind the needs assessment. Furthermore, we can look differently to the needs of participants in a training course following different angles of observation or items of analysis. We should be aware of which kind of approach we are following and how this will influence our definition of objectives and methods.

Training should be the answer to learners’ needs within their context. Being able to apply a different methodology to understand the learners’ needs is fundamental, in order to deliver a training that can provide a change in participants. It might seem self-evident that the need to learn should underpin any educational system. Indeed, the literature suggests that, at least with continuing professional development, learning is more likely to lead to a change in practice when the needs assessment has been conducted. The education is linked to practice. Personal incentive drives the educational effort and there is some reinforcement of the learning process.

Main content:

A “Needs Assessment” is a systematic approach that progresses through a defined series of phases. Needs Assessment focuses on the ends (i.e., outcomes) to be attained, rather than the means (i.e., process). For example, reading achievement is an outcome whereas reading instruction is a means toward that end. It gathers data utilizing established procedures and methods designed for specific purposes. The types and scope of methods are selected to fit the purposes and context of the needs assessment. The needs assessment sets priorities and determines criteria for solutions.

There are different models of Needs Assessment that we can find and work with. Here we are introducing, among other possibilities, the TNA.

Why do we need a Training Needs Assessment?

First, identify the dissatisfaction with the current situation and desire for change as similarities among the requests. Each request implies that a gap or discrepancy exists between what is and what could be or should be. A learning or performance gap between the current and desired condition is called “a need”. TNA aims at the following situations:

  • Solving a current problem.
  • Avoiding a past or current problem.
  • Creating or taking advantage of a future opportunity
  • Providing learning, development or growth

The Purpose of TNA

Why
conduct the training: to tie the performance deficiency to a working need and to be sure the benefits of conducting the training are greater than the problems being caused by the performance deficiency. Conduct two types of analysis to answer this question: (1) “needs” versus “wants” analysis and (2) feasibility analysis.

Who

is involved in the training: involve appropriate parties to solve the deficiency. Conduct a target population analysis to learn as much as possible about those involved in the deficiency and how to customize a training program to capture their interest.

How

can the performance deficiency be fixed: can a training fix the performance deficiency or can other remediation be suggested if the training is not appropriate? Conduct a performance analysis to identify what skill deficiency can be fixed by a “training remedy”.

What

is the best way to perform: is there a better or preferred way to do a task in order to get the best results? Are job performance standards set by the organization? Are there governmental regulations to consider when completing the task in a required manner? Conduct a task analysis to identify the best way to perform.

When

will the training take place: set the appropriate timing to deliver a training, because attendance at training can be impacted by work cycles, holidays, and so forth? Conduct a contextual analysis to answer logistics questions.

(Source: Jean Barbazette, 2006, Training Needs Assessment: Methods, Tools and Techniques)

Four steps in training need analysis

A training needs diagnosis which leads to the implementation of a training strategy should cover four essential elements:

a) running a gap analysis (gaps between the status quo and the desirable state),

b) identifying the reasons behind problems, their consequences and background,

c) identifying the validity of training activities and the hierarchy of their importance for the organization,

d) identifying the scope and topics of training and possible organizational solutions.

Exercises:

How to apply it in everyday life:

  • When I am deciding to run a workshop, propose a training course or any activity, I suggest to ask yourselves at least these several questions before starting:
  • Why this activity is important?
  • Do I know if this activity is important for the beneficiaries/participants and the organizers or only for one of the parts?
  • How I defined my objectives? Based on which information?

Reflection questions:

  • How much am I taking into consideration these elements (or some of them) when I am designing a training?
  • How do I prepare the evaluation of needs for a training course?
  • How much can I read the real need for training in a local community/for a contractor?
  • What would I need for being able to run a TNA for any training activity?
Author of the article: Amr Araf

Author of the article: Amr Araf

is a freelance consultant, trainer  and researcher based in Cairo, Egypt. Amr believes in the impact of youth work and the efficiency of non-formal
learning thus he turned these into his main areas of speciality. He works with several local and international institutions in MENA and Europe on designing and delivering educational programs for young people 15 – 30 years old. Amr has a master in Education and Youth studies from the University of Hong Kong, and a certified practitioner in Adult Learning by Calgary University in Canada and recipient of Community Leadership Certificate from George Mason University in Washington D.C. in US. He supports the autonomy of young people and transformative powers in them, and the importance of youth work to activate that.

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Editor: Federica Demicheli

Editor: Federica Demicheli

A training focusing on participation as methodology (not only as topic) is based on a certain value premise that believes in the empowerment of all the learners and supporting the equal participation of the ones with fewer opportunities or in situations of disatatage (temporary or long term). The focus of participatory training is not just about ‘knowing more’ but about…

Click here to read more about Federica Demicheli

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Source
Reference/made by/originally from rm.coe.intReference/made by/originally from jica.go.jp

Demicheli Federica

Master in Intercultural Mediation, trainer and researcher for Erasmus + National Agencies, GIZ and other international institutions about Intercultural Learning,Youth work and Youth Policies and Community Development. She is part of the pool of trainers about Recognition of non-formal education “Recognise it” of the German National Agency Erasmus + and Salto EuroMed RC and she coordinated the Conference on the recognition of non-formal education in 2018 in Naples. Member of the working group of the “Time of Show Off” publication on the role and methodologies of youth work and non-formal education. Initiator of the online professionals discussion group in Italy on “Youth work in Codiv crise”. Founder of the association “NINFEA” for the recognition of youth work in Italy. Professional Youth worker and expert in Youth Policy at National and European Level (author of the Youth Wiki page for Italy).

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