1. Virtual Needs
Assessment Practice
Session 3

2. A Framework for Needs Assessment
Presentation
Observation
Function
Diagnostics

3. Are all the ‘bases’ covered?
Your reflections on Session 2:
 Do your processes fit into this needs-led
framework?
 Where are your processes strong?
 What aspects, if any, are weaker or missing?
 Are there any elements you would find
challenging to implement?

4. Breakout Activity 1
 Discuss the framework and identify
the aspect of needs assessment
with which you feel most
comfortable – say why! And the
area you feel needs further
development – again, say why!
 Note ideas on your whiteboard.

5. Feedback from Breakout
Activity 1
 Sharing of ideas from each of
the whiteboards.

6. A reminder about why we assess
 To gather evidence of support
needs
 To understand the impact of
these needs
 To enable students to study
effectively

7. Breakout Activity 2
 In your small group, discuss the
‘skills’ and ‘capabilities’ required
to fully participate in learning.
 Note your ideas on your
whiteboard.

8. Feedback from Breakout
Activity 2
 Sharing of ideas from each of
the whiteboards.

9. Factors affecting learning
Writing
 mechanics/dexterity
 legibility
 composition
 note-taking
 experience of alternatives to
handwriting

10. Factors affecting learning
Reading
 level
 pace
 frequency
 enjoyment

11. Factors affecting learning
Communication
 receptive (attention/insight)
 expressive
(oral/speech/fluency)
 use of augmentative aids
 sociability

12. Factors affecting learning
Memory and concentration
 short-term/long-term
 reliability of recall
 recording/coding
 attention span

13. Factors affecting learning
Meta-cognition skills
 organisation of ideas/planning
 thinking/insight
 IT literacy and confidence
 existing strategies

14. Factors affecting learning
Mobility
 use of aids/equipment
 degree of restriction
 posture
 comfort in sitting
 positioning

15. Factors affecting learning
 Hearing and Vision
 Stamina
 Pain management
 Mental wellbeing
 Medication

16. What next?
 Session 4
 Applying the Needs Assessment
Model: Dyslexia (1)