Analysing the questionnaire
Featured in the Learning Needs Analysis training manual
By Beverley Williams
Category: People Management and Motivation
Credit price: 4 download credits (Single user)
The analysis of a well designed LNA questionnaire can be a straightforward business. By making use of colour coding, flowcharts and carefully designed summary sheets, methodical analysis can take place which will result in comprehensive individual development recommendations and concise summaries of all identified learning and development needs. The problems that arise with large number so of questionnaires do so because there are so many balls to keep in the air at any one time. Dealing with 100 questionnaires means 100 people, 100 line managers, hundreds of training needs, scores of development options and numerous telephone calls. This means that a haphazard approach to analysis can only result in frustration and confusion. The solution lies in the training adage, ‘There’s only one way to eat an elephant; one bite at a time.’ No one is capable of the analysis on 100 questionnaires simultaneously but everyone is capable of analysing one questionnaire 100 times – and that’s all that needs to be done. An organised approach to recording the resulting information will give you the overall results you need to put your development programme into action. This activity supplies the structured approach necessary to analyse the questionnaires successfully and gives the participants the opportunity to practise the recommended procedures.
You begin the activity by telling the participants that they will be exploring ways to analyse questionnaires methodically and present the resulting information in the most effective manner. You show them examples of analysis output documents and briefly explain their purposes. You also cover the importance of preparing well in advance the order in which questionnaires should be analysed, and the materials required to work effectively. Participants then learn to work with flowcharts which guide them through the various stages of the analysis. They go on to put this into practice by analysing sections from a sample LNA questionnaire. You then cover the benefits of transferring the information contained in development area summary sheets (DASS) to solution summary reports (SSR) before running an exercise where the participants work individually to practise completing an SSR. Finally, the participants have the opportunity to work on individual development recommendations where personal judgement must be used to arrive at the best solution. You close the activity with a brief summary and by taking key learning points from the participants.
Who is it for: This training activity is intended for use by trainers to ensure participants are capable of analysing LNA questionnaires and presenting the results effectively.
| Resource Type: | Activity |
| Min Group Size: | 4 |
| Max Group Size: | 10 |
| Typical Duration: | 02:15:00 |
| No of Pages: | 50 |
Resources: View standard resources for Fenman training activities
Additional resources: 1 red pen for each participant, highlighter pens (each participant will need two different colours), A file or binder to hold the handouts (one for each participant)
Purpose: This training activity is intended for use by trainers with participants who are responsible for identifying the learning needs of others and intend to do this by analysing LNA questionnaires. They may be trainers or line managers with responsibility for training. Participants should have an understanding of LNA within the learning and development cycle. Ideally, the participants will examine this activity in conjunction with activities 9, 10 and 11 of the Learning Needs Analysis activity pack.
Download the training activity, Analysing the questionnaire as featured in the Fenman training manual; Learning Needs Analysis