Interpreting Needs

Do needs assessments as required

Various types of needs assessments tell us about the needs and goals of the organization and the workforce. The overall workplace needs assessment sets the stage for other, more specific assessments such as a literacy task analysis, individual assessments, and intercultural assessments

Workplace needs assessment

The workplace needs assessment (WNA) gives you two crucial views of a workplace: the big picture — context, dynamics, visions, and operations; and the close-up — specific programs and activities that could meet the learning needs of the organization. The WNA also establishes a working committee of people who become advocates for basic skills education in the workplace.

During the WNA the following activities fit in naturally with the initial stages of the planning cycle. They help you become familiar with the workplace and how it works (they can also yield useful information later while programs are running). You learn about the requirements for effective performance, relationships between employer and employee, and the out- look for the future.

Instructors will find the information, experiences, and workplace materials invaluable in creating learning materials.