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Creating a needs analysis is the first step to finding out exactly what your students need. A needs analysis is a useful tool for finding out a whole range of information which will help inform your decisions related to the class. A needs analysis can be carried out simply through a questionnaire, using written prompts for a written exercise or a class discussion. However it is done, though, it needs to include certain information. Autobiographical information: nationality, age, occupation This information will show you the range of your class in terms of age, but will also help you to tailor content which will be relevant to certain professions or cultures. This is especially important when it comes to religious considerations. Motivating factors: reasons for learning English The reasons for learning English will help you understand your learners more and help you understand where their motivation is coming from. In this way you will realise if it is necessary to introduce extra motivational aspects into your lessons. The motivation will also reflect exactly what your students want to learn. Educational background: previous English learning experience This is to help you understand your learners as learners. If they are not accustomed to the TEFL style of teaching but come from a more traditional background, it may be necessary to explain your methods or spend some time focussing explicitly on the theory behind your classroom activities. Preferred learning method: learner style, likes and dislikes in the classroom Finding out the learner styles of your class will inform decisions relating to classroom activities. Usually there are a range of learner styles which means you will need to incorporate activities to include all types of learners. The same goes for likes and dislikes, but if you find that nobody likes a particular activity, make sure you remember that! English skills: best and worst skills If, for example, the whole class has very good listening skills and are more focussed on reading and writing to prepare them for an academic context, then there is no need to spend unnecessary time on listening skills. Usefulness: what English is needed in terms of real-world activities The English covered in the classroom should be a reflection of what your students will be using in the real world. If they need to interact with people on the phone, this is what should be happening in the classroom. Content: any specific English specialization If students are not looking at improving their English in a general sense, they may have very specific needs in terms of what English they need to learn. This can be anything from Business English to Aviation English to Nursing English or even just Academic English.
