Determining Needs and Interests

1
Determining Needs and Interests

• ACED 7030
• Curriculum Issues and Trends in Adult and Career
  Education

2
What is the difference between a

• Need and an Interest?
• Which is more important to consider when planning
  new programs?

Go to the discussion board and tell us what you
think.
3
What is the purpose of a needs and interest
assessment?

• To make decisions related to
• Program offerings
• Course offerings
• Curriculum content
• Schedules and locations
• Other??

4
A typical assessment considers the needs and
interests of the

• Community
• Organization
• Student

5
When considering the community, we look at

• Values
• Economic conditions or influences
• Business and industry requirements
• Future outlook
• Other??

6
When considering the organization, we look at

• Goal and mission
• Projected growth or loss
• Facility conditions
• Projected improvements
• Other??

7
When considering the student, we look at

• Goals and aspirations
• Academic needs
• Physical needs and limitations
• Time/site preferences
• Willingness to participate
• Other??

8
What tools do we use to gather this information?

• Needs and interest surveys (see sample)
• Occupational/Task analyses (pg. 147-CF)
• DACUM studies (pg. 142-CF)
• Delphi panels (pg. 158-CF)
• Critical Incident Technique (pg. 156-CF)

Be sure to take the time to read these sections!
9
Needs and Interests Information

• Documented in reports, such as SACS reports,
  Strategic Plans, etc.
• Often gathered using a variety of techniques.
• Is only valuable if the data is actually used!

10
Be sure to visit the website for assignments
related to this lesson.