Question

Investigate a community on which you would like to complete a needs assessment. Decide whether you will focus on a rural or urban setting. Remember it must be an area in decline. Begin to collect initial information on the area such as demographics.

Answer 1

many possible ways to conduct a needs assessment, and the type of needs assessment undertaken should be appropriate for the scale of policy or service provision that it is designed to inform.Community Needs Assessments seek to gather accurate information representative of the needs of a community. Assessments are performed prior to taking action and are used to determine current situations and identify issues for action, establishing the essential foundation for vital planning. The process is an invaluable tool for involving the public in solving problems and developing goals. A needs assessment can be an excellent way for the public to become involved and contribute to the outcome.steps included for need analysis

Step 1 -- Perform a "Gap" Analysis

Step 2 -- Identify Priorities and Importance

Step 3 -- Identify Causes of Performance Problems and/or Opportunities
Step 4 - Identify Possible Solutions and Growth Opportunities

Methods of needs assessment

1.

Gap or discrepancy analysis

This formal method involves comparing performance with stated intended competencies—by self assessment, peer assessment, or objective testing—and planning education accordingly.

2.

Reflection on action and reflection in action

Reflection on action is an aspect of experiential learning and involves thinking back to some performance, with or without triggers (such as videotape or audiotape), and identifying what was done well and what could have been done better.The latter category indicates learning needs

3.Observation