Needs Assessment or How Are We Doing?

At the beginning of a course, conduct a needs assessment: find out what students are interested in learning related to the course content. For example, if it’s a class in writing, are they more interested in writing for academic or for business purposes? Then, periodically throughout the class, informally poll students on if they feel their learning needs are being met. Let their responses in both cases help guide the curriculum.

 

Giving students a say in their own education is a powerful motivator.