Q: I’m wondering if you have any educational needs assessments that you have given to communities/groups that I could take a look at?

A: There are a lot of different ways to assess needs, but there are a few key strategies that you should follow to make sure that you have the most valid information and that it is actionable.

Survey present participants. Too often we think that if we survey people who do not attend our programs we will find out why they don't come. The fact is, that if you have a good marketing strategy, they already know about you, and they are not coming. Surveying them will not yield good information and you are not likely to gain useful data.

Don't ask for information you already have or can acquire elsewhere, such as gender, address, etc.

Don't ask for information that you can't act upon, such as "do you need childcare in order to be able to attend our classes." If you are able to provide childcare, then that is a legitimate question. If you are not able to meet that need, then asking the question gives you information you cannot use.

I have attached some documents that you might find helpful, as well. Let me know if I can be of further assistance in helping you create your needs survey.
I would be happy to discuss this with you if you like. I have attached some documents that may be useful. Please let me know if you need additional information.

http://media.lern.org/webinars/Needs-Assessment-and-Program-Development.pdf
http://media.lern.org/webinars/Training-Needs-Analysis.doc
http://media.lern.org/webinars/Picking-your-next-Winnining-Initiative1.doc