Topics Map > EPD Instructor Resources > Teaching & Learning > Instructional Design > Front-end Analysis
EPD - Instructor Resources - Conduct a Front-End Analysis
Front-end analyses is a key piece of the course development process.
Front-end analysis is conducted to gather information, to identify an instructional need, to define the goals and objectives of learning, and to focus the course content and instruction.
It provides time and cost savings and improves the quality of the course. Analysis may be conducted by the Instructor, Program Director, a Curriculum Committee, Marketing, or other parties.
To learn more, watch the following videos about Value Proposition and Business Model.
Considerations
- Problem: Is there a problem? What is it?
- Need: Is there a need for learning or should some other solution be employed?
- Audience/Learner: Who is the intended audience? What are the skills, knowledge, and attitudes (SKAs) of the target audience?
- Job: What tasks make up their job? Which are most important? What gaps may exist between what the intended audience knows how to do, and what they need to know to carry out their job more successfully? How can I fill the gaps?
- Task: What does each task entail? Which tasks are most important and have highest priority? In which sequence are tasks performed and should be learned or taught?
- Content: What information must I/should I impart?
Techniques
- Direct observation
- Interviews, focus groups, or questionnaires
- Documentation reviews: operational procedures, manuals, job descriptions
- Heuristic evaluation
- Systematic Outlines
- Identification of gaps or task using lists and prioritization
- Procedural analysis
- Flowcharts
- Develop list of learner prerequisites for module or course
Example