Needs Assessment Five Points of Entry 4-H Service-Learning Initiative Trainings Ruston and Crowley July 2005 Transform Existing Program • Identify existing project or activity • Examine for learning opportunities • Exchange resources & ideas • Example: Canned Food Drive Standard Curriculum • Identify specific content and skill • Area supports learning • Look for additional learning opportunities • Example: • Learning Citizenship through discussion with elected officials Theme or Unit • Begin with broad theme or topic • Identify specific content and skill area • Select a service application • Example: Childhood obesity Cancer Student-Identified • Identify student skills, talents and interests • Students define problem, need • Students lead implementation • Example: Transform empty lot into playground Community-Identified • Community request assistance • Adults, students and community partners identify learning opportunities • Example: • Tutoring “Most people are mirrors, reflecting the moods and emotions of the times. Some people are windows, bringing light to bear on the dark corners where troubles fester.” Sydney J. Harris Types of Needs Assessments • • • • Surveys Focus Groups Door-to-Door Canvassing Interviews Focus Groups & Interviews Survey Focus Group Interview Population Wide crosssection of people Group discussion One-on-one conversation Types of Questions Multiple choice, Ratings, Rankings, Open-ended 10 – 15 open-ended questions Demographics Optional: Name, age, race/ethnicity, contact information Recording information Survey Instrument Notes Designing Questions • Design questions that help respondents consider their ideal community • Include questions that provide an opportunity for respondents to identify the challenges of reaching the ideal and reflect on the needs of the community Tips for Success • Ask a variety of people, even those you don’t know to get a more wellrounded picture of the needs • Be prepared to explain what the survey/focus group/interview is about, why it is important, and how the results will be used in a few short sentences • Try to be unbiased