Why Most Teachers Skip the Needs Analysis
The Two Halves of Needs Analysis
Where does the student need to use English? For what purposes? In what context? Examples:
• 'I need to present at English-language conferences in 2 years'
• 'I want to watch Netflix without subtitles'
• 'My emails to international clients need to be more professional'
Where is the student now? Assessment questions:
• What's your level in speaking, reading, writing, listening (often different)?
• What have you studied before? What worked, what didn't?
• How much time per week can you dedicate to English outside lessons?
• What do you find easy about English? Hard?
Needs Analysis Framework
Target Situation
Where does the student need to use English? — The curriculum endpoint
Present Situation
Where are they now? — The curriculum starting point
The Gap
TSA minus PSA = the curriculum. That gap is what you teach.
Teacher Tip
“Send a brief questionnaire before lesson 1 and ask students to answer in English. You get: a writing sample, level indicators, and content for your first lesson (discuss their answers, extract and teach vocabulary from their writing). Three birds, one stone.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How formally should I run a needs analysis?
It can be a structured questionnaire, a guided conversation, or a combination. For adult professional learners, a brief written questionnaire followed by an oral discussion is often most effective. For teenagers and young learners, a parent/guardian conversation first, then student conversation separately.
What if the student's stated needs and assessed needs differ?
Address both — but be transparent. 'Based on our assessment, your writing is actually stronger than your speaking — so I suggest we prioritise speaking, though I've noted the writing goal too.' Students appreciate honesty when it's framed constructively.
Should I re-run a needs analysis mid-course?
Yes — at the 6-week or 10-lesson point, revisit the original goals. Needs change, students discover new priorities, and initial assumptions sometimes prove wrong. A mid-course check prevents drifting.