A needs analysis decides:
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If the training topic is relevant |
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If the target group is in need of training |
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What are the specific training needs of the target group? |
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What are individual training needs? |
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Relevancy of the topic You can choose a training topic because you as a trainer or organiser like the topic and feel familiar with running a programme on the issue. Although this is an important aspect for the success of a training programme, without being relevant into a wider framework training should not take place. In European youth work training the framework is generally set by the priorities of the European Institutions. Within this framework general topics are definted which are seen as relevant for European Youth Policy. You could say that by defining the YOUTH programme, setting aims and priorities and allocating funds, the European Commission expresses its needs. |
Is there a need of training? It should be defined why training is a proper way to address the target group and if the target group itself recognises the need for training. Training doesn't answer all problems in this world. For example finding good accomdation for youth exchanges is an importnat task for organisers of these actgivities. This doesn't mean that organising a training on that topic is a beneficial way to give attention to this. Porobably also the target group will not see that as a proper answer to their need for good accommodation. Building a good database could possibly be a better answer. |
Specific training needs
When we have decided that the topic is relevant and the target group is in need of training we have
to define what the specific training needs are. What are the problems that the target group has to deal with concerning the topic and what competences need to be improved?
Individual training needs
The pre-course questionnaire enables you to assess individual training needs of participants. Next to that the answers to this questionnaire give you a picture of the overall level and experiences of the participants group.
It might come out that you are not able to address all the individual needs expressed by theh participants. Explain what will be and what will not be covered by teh training course. Often participants in international courses will put 'improving my english' as a learning need. Probably they will improve their language skills but it's not something you as a team will focus on. Specifically.