Training Needs Assessment: A Systematic Approach Joan Strohauer Department of Education.
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Transcript of Training Needs Assessment: A Systematic Approach Joan Strohauer Department of Education.
Did you know...
“Not more than % of expenditures in training actually result in transfer to the job.”
Broad and Newstrom
6-10
In the “Real World”
You cannot afford to not do a front-end analysis
Something is better than nothing
Do the best you canNeed to have a theoretical baseKey skill: Focus your questions
Needs Assessment Definition
A needs assessment is the process of identifying performance requirements and the "gap" between what performance is required and what presently exists.
Macro vs. MicroMacro
aligned with strategic goals
three levels organizationa
l occupational individual
Micro initiated by
performance problems or change
assessment done to clarify problem, determine if training is the solution, analyze performance, and characteristics of trainees
Analyze
What is the problem?
Is it a training problem?
What skills and knowledge should be included in the training program?
Who needs to be trained?
Problem Analysis
Performance Analysis
Task/Competency Analysis
Learner Analysis
What is Problem and Performance Analysis?
Clearly defining the problem or opportunity
A formal procedure used to analyze defined needs to determine their causes and identify appropriate solutions.
P. 28
Robert Mager
1. Define the problem?2. Determine the importance
Is it worth solving?3. Determine the cause(s)4. Identify training vs. non-training solutions5. Select the best (most cost-effective)
solutions
P. 32
Step 1: Define the problem
DESIRED PERFORMANCE (Optimals)
- ACTUAL PERFORMANCE (Actuals)
= POSSIBLE TRAINING NEED
Describe Discrepancy
P. 31
Step 2: Is it important?
Why is it important?What if you did nothing?How big is it? (Quantify if
possible)Who cares?“Is the cost of the discrepancy
high enough that it seems worth pursuing a solution?”
P. 34
Step 3: Determine Cause(s)
Is it a problem of skill or
a problem of will?
I don’t wanna! I don’t know
how.
I don’t wanna!
Yes, it is a skill deficiency
Arrange Formal Training
Arrange Practice
Arrange Feedback
Used to do it?
Used often?
no
yes
no
yes
Other questions
Change the Job
Arrange on-the-job training
Transfer or terminate
Simpler way?
Potential?
If a skill deficiency..
Provide trainingProvide practiceProvide feedbackSimplify the taskDevelop a job aidOJTTransferTerminate
Yes, it is a problem of will...
Remove Punishment
Arrange Positive
Consequences
Arrange consequences
Performance punishing?
Non-performance rewarded?
Does performance matter?
P. 37
Step 4: To train or not to train?
First determine cause(s)
Only then look at possible solutions
Seek integrated solution systems that get to the root of the problem
P. 39
Calculate cost
Select best solution(s)
Implement
Cause Solution
If skill or knowledge……….training If lack feedback……………..feedback, standards If not motivated…………….rewards,
consequences If unclear expectations…..std, measure, discuss If job environment…………change environment If potential……………………change personnel
P. 39
If training is the answer….
Formal trainingSelf studyTechnology basedJob
related/workplace approaches
P. 40
Outcomes of Problem and Performance Analysis
More complete picture of problemIs it training? Is it training plus…Make solid recommendationsIf is training or job aid….on to task or
competency analysis!
P. 42
Task/Competency Analysis“What do learners need to learn?”
Task AnalysisFor more skill
oriented jobsWhen need
consistent set of training requirements
Competency AnalysisSoft skills training
such as mgmt, supervision
Professional jobsCareer pathingLeadership
development
Steps in Task Analysis
Break job into major functions
Break functions into major tasks
Break tasks into steps
Identify training outcomes
Competency Analysis
What are competencies? Enduring characteristics of a person
that result in superior on-the-job performance
Areas of personal capability that enable employees to successfully perform their jobs by achieving outcomes or successfully performing tasks
What is a competency model?
Identifies the competencies necessary for each job as well as the knowledge, skills, behavior, and personality characteristics underlying each competency.
What do you want to know?
General characteristics
Specific knowledge and skill
Learning stylesSpecial needs
P. 61
Information is Used in Three Important Ways
To help determine where to begin the content of the training program
To determine how to present the content
To get buy-in
Methods for collecting data
Data gathering is cornerstone of any needs assessment project
Can be time consuming
Final Exam
Why do we bother with needs analysis?Where does TNA fit in the ISD process?T or F: Training is the solution to most
performance problems.What are at least 4 methods of
collecting data?What is the key skill one must use in
conducting an effective needs analysis?