ABSTRACT
Defining an educational need, and therefore defining educational needs assessment, can be complex in itself. It is first useful to
explore the definition of need, which may also be expressed as ‘a want or a demand’. In 1972, Bradshaw produced his still frequently quoted taxonomy of need, in which he highlights four types of need:
• Normative need - defined by experts as a desirable standard. • Felt need - defined by the individual who has the need. • Comparative need - comparing one group with another. • Expressed need - a felt need that is expressed by action.
