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How does your child learn best?
In an educational setting, a learning needs analysis helps students identify where they are in terms of their knowledge, skills and competencies, versus where they wish to be - what are their learning goals?
''Adults learn better when they can see a reason or relevance as to why they are following a programme of study. By conducting a learning needs analysis with prospective students, the learning provider can identify what programmes are needed. Including learners from the outset will help ensure that course content, schedules, etc., are in line with the needs of the student. By assisting the learner to identify the gaps in his/her own learning, the provider will be better able to support the student''. ~ Learner Centred Methodologies, by Rhonda Wynne, Ireland
A learning needs analysis will help:
- Identify what skills and knowledge the learners already have
- Highlight skills/knowledge/competencies that need developing
- Identify clearly what students wish to achieve
- Outline and define expectations and goals
- Establish need and demand for the course you have in mind
- Determine what can realistically be achieved given the available resources
- Identify any obstacles or difficulties which may arise
- Increase the sense of ownership and involvement of the students
- Provide information about your student group - know your audience
- Achieve a correct fit between the provider and student, i.e., the course matches student needs and expectations
- Identify the content that best suits students needs
- Determine what is the most appropriate delivery format - class based, online or a mix of these and other formats
- Determine what skill set and knowledge base is required of the tutor
- Develop a budget and cost benefit analysis
- Establish when is the most suitable time to deliver the programme and over what time frame
- Ascertain the most suitable evaluation mechanisms
- Outline what results can be expected and if/how these can be measured
"Teachers plant seeds of knowledge that last forever" Antonise Crawford. As in a garden we need the right environment for the seed to flower, our students will need much more than just the right environment to flower. We as mentors need to first map the needs of each child, as each of us is different and often it is said no two people in the world are alike. The biggest challenge to help a child to learn is thus in taking the right steps to help him/her to grow not only in mind and body, but in heart and soul too. Complete education is only possible if we really know what are the true needs of the students. There is no 'one size fit all' when it comes to a curriculum. The teaching methods are what matters and not simply the content forced on to the students. The methodology must fit the needs of the individual student.
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| Image courtesy www.sfccmo.edu/ |
At a very early age our current system of education starts working like an assembly line, and the curriculum rolls out the 'one size fits all' approach. This is where the inherent challenge lies, continuous learning will only happen when we can identify the student needs. The only constant is change, the needs also go through a catalysis and this makes the challenge even bigger. Student needs push us to explore new vistas of learning - study, skills, service and sports all offer avenues for us to find out the needs of the students. Once we have the interest of the student at the core of learning, we will see a quantum leap in learning and will empower the seed of knowledge to develop into holistic learning. The needs of the parents, teachers and all stakeholders will have to supplement the needs of the student alone and not vice versa. We have different forms of learning delivery and most places the mentor as the one who leads the learning process. Need for us to offer the lead to the student and the mentor is there only in a supportive role.