Looking back on our first day… What did we do the first day we met? What do you think our purposes were? What would you like students to “get” from your first practice teaching session? Why? What would you like to learn about/from your students? How might you do that? What would you like them to know about you and about one another? How can you assess students’ language skills?

Learning the Learner… How do we learn the learner? enesd msesnestas

Needs Assessment What is “needs assessment”? What should a needs assessment tool examine?

Needs Assessment What is “needs assessment”? It the continuous process of learning about our students’ proficiencies and backgrounds, educational goals, and expected outcomes. What should a needs assessment tool examine? English, native language, and literacy skills the learner already believes he or she has The literacy contexts in which the learner lives and works; What the learner wants and needs to know to function in those contexts What the learner expects to gain from the instructional program

Trying Tools Out What are some important events that have happened in your life? Happy events? Not so happy events? What are some important goals you had or you have now? Which ones were you able to reach? Which ones would you like to reach?

My name is Marbella. This is my personal timeline moved to Guatemala 2000 graduated high school 2009 had an operation 2005 started new job and finished university 2008 took TESOL certificate course 2010 got a promotion 2013 got married

Ask questions! Examples: When did you come to the United States? What do you want to do in the future?

Looking back… What kind of information were you able to get? When would you use this type of needs assessment tool? How could you adapt this for your classroom? What variations can you think of for this activity?

Types of Needs Assessment Tools Type of ToolDescriptionPurposeComments

Choosing tools you can use… With your group: Make a needs assessment tool you could use in your classroom. Use the sample tools provided. Think about the purpose you’d use it for. Share the assessment tool with another group. Get ideas!

Why is needs assessment important? It helps me: Choose topics and skills that relate directly to my Ss’ needs, interests and goals. Identify who my learners are and how to better suit their learning. Assess progress continuously. Sequence lessons according to my Ss’ level and