Needs Analysis
Needs Assessments plays and important role at the beginning of the program design process. It helps to identify what problems need to be solved. By "conducting interviews, making observations, and reviewing available artifacts," instructional designers can determine what areas of need might improve attitudes, knowledge, and skills (Brown & Green, 2011, p. 42).
Brown, A. & Green, T.D. (2011). The essentials of instructional design: Connecting fundamental principles with process and practice. (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. |
Needs Assessment
Data Gathered
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Questionnaires were sent to the department heads of the Chemistry, Pre-Biology, Pre-Health Occupations, CAP Program, and University Advisors to determine the most immediate need to help students stay on track with a four year graduation rate. The questionnaires revealed that most high school students entering UTSA have not taken or have not achieved an acceptable score on the Chemistry Advanced Placement Exam to be placed into General Chemistry during their first semester on campus. These students have been placed into Basic Chemistry, and wind up having to spend an extra semester working through their degree plan. Chemistry, Pre-Biology, Pre-Health Occupations, CAP Program students follow a very strict degree plan that, when followed closely, enables a student to graduate within four years and go on to enter their desired graduate program in a timely fashion.
Interviews and group meetings were conducted with the Testing Services Director, Dean of the College of Science, Director of Tutoring Services to discuss the outcome of the questionnaire. It was determined by the group that it would be advantageous to create a program that would prepare incoming freshman, and any other student that is interested, to take the Chemistry Placement Exam. By passing the Chemistry Placement Exam, student could bypass General Chemistry and be placed directly into General Chemistry saving the student one semester of time and the cost of tuition for one course. |