Trainee needs
Topic Focus
To consider what we need to know about the teachers we will be working with and how we can find out about their needs.
45 minutes
Before you start a new teacher training course, it is important to find out something about the teachers you will be working with.
Task 1: Questions to ask yourself
Task 3: Needs analysis questionnaire
Here is an example of a needs analysis questionnaire. What context do you think it could be used in? Would it work in your context?
Click to open the questionnaire in a new window if you can’t see it below.
- Depending on the course and the potential trainees, you could use an online form (like the one you completed when you applied for a place on this course). This type of form means you can keep all the respondents’ answers in one place.
Although this is a very basic needs analysis, it could be used with experienced, practising teachers perhaps as part of an in-house training course.
Task 4: Finding out needs in your context
How do you assess your trainee teachers’ needs in your context? Share your ideas on this Padlet. Feel free to share any documentation (such as questionnaires) you use.
Task 5: Reflection
Now you have found out your potential trainees’ needs, what will you do with this information?
The results from the pre-course tasks (identifying strengths/weaknesses, previous experiences, contexts, expectations, etc.) can then be used to help you plan the course (see the next topic).