| Session Title: Needs Assessment and Evaluation: Strategies and Practical Applications |
| Think Tank Session 837 to be held in International Ballroom A on Saturday, November 10, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Sponsored by the Needs Assessment TIG , the Business and Industry TIG, and the Presidential Strand |
| Presenter(s): |
| Darlene Russ-Eft, Oregon State University, darlene.russeft@oregonstate.edu |
| Discussant(s): |
| Catherine Sleezer, Baker-Hughes, catherine.sleezer@centrilift.com |
| Marcie Bober, San Diego State University, bober@mail.sdsu.edu |
| Kelly Hannum, Center for Creative Leadership, hannumk@leaders.ccl.org |
| Jennifer Martineau, Center for Creative Leadership, martineauj@leaders.ccl.org |
| Abstract: This Think Tank session will focus on issues related to needs assessment as a form of evaluation. Participants will be introduced to three types of needs - strategic or operational needs, performance needs, and learning needs. In addition, participants will receive a brief overview of four approaches to needs assessment: knowledge and skills assessment, job and task analysis, competency assessment, and strategic assessment. In the Think Tank, participants will be provided with one or more case scenarios. Then within small groups, participants will consider: (1) which kinds of needs should be considered; (2) which type or types of needs assessment are most appropriate, (3) what stakeholders would be involved in the needs assessment and how, (4) what needs assessment and evaluation tools and approaches should be used, and (5) how the proposed needs assessment design and implementation would contribute to learning among all relevant stakeholder groups. |