Instructional design/Learner analysis/what when why

What is Learner Analysis

Analysis is the first and most important phase of the ADDIE process. There are several steps within the analysis phase. Learner analysis is the process of identifying who your audience is; their demographics, prior knowledge, physiological and affective and social needs. Each of these areas will shape your design decisions and influence the instructional methods and strategies that you choose to implement.

When do you need a Learner Analysis

As an instructional designer, you should always conduct a learner analysis before moving into the design phase. Design based on a designer making assumptions or trying to control what the characteristics of the audience should be will most likely result in an ineffective learning environment.

Why is conducting a Learner Analysis Important?

Before you can begin to design an effective learning environment, you must know enough about your learners to make careful considerations about how to best introduce and engage them with course material.For example, the types of interactions you include in the course will vary, depending on whether it is a fully online course with 100 undergraduate students or a hybrid graduate level capstone course with just a cohort of 10 students. Understanding various characteristics of your learner population enables you to design a course that best addresses their range of needs.

Recommended Reading

Eastham, N. (2011). Learner analysis. University of Northern Colorado. Retrieved from http://www.unco.edu/cetl/sir/sizing_up/learner_analysis.html

Justice, L. K. (2003). Learner/context analysis. Kent State University. Retrieved from http://www.personal.kent.edu/~lkjusti1/objectivelyspeaking/learner_context_analysis.htm

Lsulami, R. A. (n.d.). Learner analysis. Blendspace by TES. Retrieved from https://www.tes.com/lessons/Wf12BNREPMrbBg/learner-analysis

Lynne (2012). 5 ways learner analysis will impact instructional design. Langevin Learning Services. Retrieved from http://www.langevin.com/blog/2012/09/17/5-ways-learner-analysis-will-impact-instructional-design/

Stolovitch, H. D. & Keeps, E. J. (2008). Learner analysis. Harold D. Stolovitch & Associates Learning & Performance Solutions: Los Angeles, CA. Retrieved from http://www.hsa-lps.com/E_News/ENews_Oct08/mainFrame_Oct08.htm

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Intro to Learner Analysis Worksheet - Demographics