Learn to analyze learning, instructional and environmental needs using a variety of techniques. Identify the components, advantages, disadvantages and applications of instructional systems theory and instructional design and development. *

Reflection

The purpose of this course is to develop knowledge and skills required to conduct a performance needs analysis.  This analysis examines all the performance building blocks in the environment as they relate to the intended organizational results, to identify if all the building blocks are appropriately aligned to meet organizational goals and vision.  One of these essential building blocks is knowledge and skills, with the implication being if the people carrying out the organizational goals do not have the knowledge / skills needed to do so, then organizational goals cannot be met. 

Thus, this course focused on surfacing the root cause of performance issues.  I learned how to conduct a performance needs analysis as well as how to apply the Wedman performance pyramid framework to analysis of performance needs analysis data. 

I enjoyed using the performance pyramid because it encompasses analysis of all the performance building blocks, not only knowledge and skills.  This is critical in completing any needs analysis because training or learning needs analysis alone can only rule out or rule in a learning intervention and does not surface other performance elements that may contribute or be the sole cause of a performance issue(s).

Since completion of this course, I have used the Wedman performance pyramid on multiple occasions with positive results.

Artifacts

Needs Analysis Plan (.pdf)

Needs Analysis Report (.pdf)

*Taken from the SISLT course catalog.