Analyze Training Needs

Before you begin writing a learning program, you must establish expectations for what the program will accomplish. After all, you don't want to write a terrific course that teaches something no one needs to know. To analyze the training need, you should ask these questions:

What type of training is needed?

 Here are some things to do to help you narrow the scope of the project:

• Identify which job requirements should be covered by this course. Limit a course to one or two related skills. It's better to create several detailed courses than one very long course.
• Evaluate existing reports and test results to determine areas where employee skills are weak. Review safety reports to reveal sources of accidents and injuries. Are accidents caused by poor training? When an accident occurs, is the response immediate and effective? Evaluate test results. Is there a pattern to failures?
• Discuss needs with staff and management. Don't forget to talk to real people about their training problems. They can reveal the reasons for problems in their areas and prioritize training needs.

Who are the learners?

Your learning program will not be effective if it is not written for the people who will use it. A program that is too difficult or too simplistic will fail to give the learners the knowledge they need. Consider:

• What is the educational level of the learners: no degree, high school, college or trade school? Is English a second language for these learners? Will they have difficulty reading long passages of text?
• Do the learners already have a background in the subject? Can you assume prior knowledge of terminology and processes or will it be necessary to provide that background in your program?
• Are the learners comfortable with computers? Learners who don't use computers for their work will need more assistance navigating through the program.
• What is their learning style? Are they hands-on or visual learners? Are they comfortable with concepts and theories?
• In what environment will the course be used? Will it be on a noisy shop floor or a quiet laboratory?

Identify the best training method

A number of training options are available for teaching job skills to your employees. Although our discussion focuses on computer-based training, this method may not be the best choice for every situation.