Analysis and Planning: Learner Analysis

The Learner Analysis identifies what is actually done on the job and required in the real world. A learner analysis (also known as a Person Analysis) should identify the range of learner needs based on the differences between job demands and role characteristics to assure coverage of the gap between actual learner skill sets, the expectations and standards established during the organizational analysis, and the criteria set from Task-KSA Analysis. Based on subsequent technical and media specification analysis, large differences in learner groups such can be leveraged into an appropriate medium through design and delivery supports or facilitated through blended delivery media. Learner analysis role-summaries should be submitted. Data collected at this stage should:

• Identify logistics of the base learning pool
• Detail role characteristics for learner profiles
• Gauge current performance measures and characteristics for comparison against what is required in training
• Develop an approach to providing targeted recurrent training based on identified performance gaps as required by stakeholder
• Ensure training program complements activities relating to recruitment and performance appraisal as required by stakeholder

Risks if not conducted or conducted improperly:

• Not understanding the learner - your customer
  
• A course that does not focus on the gap between tasks/KSAs assessed as required in “a perfect world” and task/KSAs the learner was doing before the learning event in “the real world”
• Delivery modalities that do not meet the differing needs of course participants
• Training that does not result in improved on the job performance criteria
• Dissatisfied course participants and a dissatisfied stakeholder

We will review technical and media requirements next.