Caffarella and Daffron (2013) describe several formal and informal techniques for needs assessment. Which ones seem most useful to you and why? Would Abramson’s ideas on negotiation in needs assessment be required in your context?

I have my favourite techniques for needs assessment while developing a course and during the course. I have used all ten examples listed by Caffarella and Daffron (2013)at one time or another. However, I think Caffarella and Daffron (2013, p. 13) say it best when they state, “No one technique for generating ideas and needs for programs is better than another. Each technique has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on the context and the data required.”

While designing the Bylaw Enforcement level I and II courses, the most valuable techniques were:

Questionnaire: I completed a questionnaire and sent it to as many bylaw officers I knew while requesting their input and opinions on what a new bylaw officer course should contain.

Interviews: I had a telephone or personal interview with bylaw supervisors, bylaw officers, past learners, and employers, garnering their opinions on what makes a great course. It was clear, the idea of a new course was worthwhile and important.

Group sessions: Coffee with small groups of bylaw and police officers for brainstorming sessions.

Documents: I attended the Justice Institute, completed the bylaw one and two courses, and possessed documents and content. The research was conducted in databases, websites, etc.

Performance and Product Review: I was aware of the Justice Institute bylaw course’s poor ratings and reputation before designing it. I reviewed similar courses and programs, including government regulations and legislated procedures.

Abramson’s (2018) paper on negotiating techniques for civil trial interviews was fascinating and mirrored much of what occurs during police interviews and trials. I have chosen his article for my assignment 2, response paper. His ideas on negotiation in my needs assessment apply only to his final pieces of advice. It is usually a good practice to be nice, respectful, a good listener, and cooperative; share information of interest; be ethical and tell the truth.

References

Abramson, H. (2019). Fashioning an effective negotiation style: Choosing between good practices, tactics, and tricks. Harvard Negotiation Law Review, 23, 319–344. https://search-ebscohost-com.libraryservices.yorkvilleu.ca/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=url,cookie,ip,uid&db=a9h&AN=133230476