Developing your training skills (Part 3)

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Personally I think that needs assessment should be standard protocol for every training activity. We need not have an elaborate process each time but it is important to have a needs assessment each time. Each trainer should have a needs assessment at each point.

Why do you need to have a needs assessment
  1. It reveals a lot; it tells you if training is the solution and also brings up hidden things that are covered that could be the reasons for the performance gap.
  2. It helps you focus on what is necessary to solve a gap in knowledge and skills.
  3. You also identify who should participate in the learning activity.
  4. It prevents unnecessary spending through focused learning.
  5. It shows other required performance support required for successful performance

Types of needs assessment
  1. Business assessment - What is the business focus?
  2. Learner assessment - Who will participate in the learning?
  3. Job analysis or assessment - What is required to perform the job?
  4. Work place assessment  - Where will the job/task be carried out?
  5. Supervisor assessment - Who is responsible for managerial or leadership role related to the job/task?

How to conduct a needs assessment
You need to ask the right questions. Needs assessment is all about asking the right questions
Business Focus
  • Ask about the vision, strategic goal & focus, linkage between the required job/task and business goals, future plans related to the subject matter

Learner assessment
  • Ask about the learners? background, motivation, experience and current practices related to the topics/task
Job analysis
  • Ask about the knowledge, skills and attitude required for the job. Look out for tacit and explicit knowledge

Workplace assessment 
  • Ask about the materials, expert support, time, tools, physical and psychological environment required to perform the job/task 

Supervisor assessment
  • Ask about the managerial and leadership related to the job/task

Remember a single question can be the link to the most appropriate solution.

For more questions, send an email to bayus007@yahoo.com


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