ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the development of needs assessment definitions and models in the various scholarly bodies of knowledge. It examines the various ways that practitioners have translated theories and models of needs assessment into practice. The chapter also describes the opportunities for learning designers to capitalize on their existing knowledge of data collection tools and techniques to conduct needs assessments; and summarizes some lessons learned about needs assessment. In parallel with the development of needs assessment definitions, models for conducting a needs assessment appear in both the Instructional Design literature and in the literature focused on performance improvement. Like any study, the length of time to conduct a needs assessment depends on the study's scope. With the variety of needs assessment models discussed in the literature, it is no wonder that practitioners grapple with identifying the optimal way to apply the models – either in their entirety or specific elements – to their workplace contexts.
