Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Group Project
By
of
Email: danielle.sheppard@my.open.uwi.edu
rose.bertin@my.open.uwi.edu
natasha.webbseales@my.open.uwi.edu
tina.brown@my.open.uwi.edu
Student Name:
Project Team:
Facilitator:
Grading Scale:
Total
0 20.0
TOTAL - Part 1
0
Data Collected
0 15.0
Data Analysed
0 20.0
Total
0.0 65.0
TOTAL - Part 2
0
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TOTAL -Part 3
0 55.0
Individual Participation - 5%
Presentation - 3%
TOTAL - Presentation
0.0 10.0
FINAL SCORE
0 35.0
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Background
which functions based on the ministry of education's curriculum. One of the framework of the
curriculum is the use of technology to drive instructions. However, the recent results of the
10% in the area of Science. Prior to the implementation of this new curriculum, all teachers
were trained in order to ensure understanding of the nature of the student-centered approach.
Also in order to ensure adequate resources are available to enhance the learning
process, the administrators of St. Peter's Primary have sought to procure and install
computers and multimedia technology into each classroom. Also an upgrade to the library
made possible through donations from international partners. With this in mind, the
administration expects increased students' performance and motivation towards the subject.
Population
population of approximately nine hundred fifty (950) students at the primary level
(elementary, k-6) from diverse socio-economic and geographic location. The institution has
an academic staff complement of thirty (30) teachers and a student teacher ratio of
approximately 45 – 1.
The technological competence of the teachers are somewhere along a broad spectrum
of minimal to advanced computer and internet skills. Additionally, it has been noted that
while some of the staff have access to computers at home, others do not. This presents a
population with significant variance in their levels of knowledge, skills and abilities as some
have had the opportunity to orientate themselves and practice, unlike others without access.
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The aim of this needs assessment is to unearth the root cause of the problem in order
to determine the best approach to effective positive change. According to Cekada (2010), by
training cannot solve problems caused by poor system design, insufficient resources or
understaffing (Sorenson, 2002). Therefore, through this assessment, management will be able
Problem Identification
change. As suggested by Van Tiem et al. (2012), the purpose of any improvement effort is to
strengthen an ineffective product or service. As a result, the main problem identified is the
ineffective use of technology at St. Peter’s Preparatory School to enhance science pedagogy
despite the institution being somewhat up to date with hardware and software. However,
based on preliminary investigations, other challenges have been identified which include but
area of science at the grade 6 level based on end of term examination results
science
St. Peter’s Preparatory School has a population of 950 students and 30 teachers which
makes up the affected audience for the needs assessment. From this audience a sample was
selected to carry out data collection from a questionnaire and interview process. The
probability sampling method with a focus on stratified random sampling was used. This
method was used to select the sample size so that a true depiction of the affected teacher
population would be used (Gay, Mills & Airasian, 2009). Using this method from the
population of teachers 50% was selected which amounted to 15 teachers. This overall total
was further broken to allow equity in the representation of male and female teachers.
Therefore, to allow for this equity, out of the sample size 4 were male while 11 were female.
The focus group interview was done with the students to gather their views on the use
of technology in their science lessons. For the student focus group interview 5 students were
used, one student from grade 4 and 2 students from grades 5 and 6. To add credibility and
reliability of the information collected a SWOT analysis was also conducted. This analysis
will focus on gathering information on the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats
In order to obtain the information needed to complete the needs assessment at St.
Peter’s Preparatory School a combination of data collection techniques was used, which are
outlined below.
Focus Group Interviews In order to explore some of the issues Interviews were done
identified in greater depth, interviews
with Principal and
were conducted to obtain qualitative
Students.
information which was used to provide
further clarity and meaning to the
survey data.
fixing the identified problem is done. In order to ensure that the gap is correctly identified
various methods of gap identification would be utilized by the needs assessment team. These
methods will include the use of an organizational, environmental, gap and cause analysis.
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The information needed for these analysis would be extracted from varying data sources to
ensure triangulation of data being collected Van Tiem, Moseley and Dessinger (2012). The
table below indicates the data sources that will be utilized by the team:
Vision, mission and goal School Principal St. Peter’s Extant Data
of the school handbook Preparatory
School
Organizational Analysis
A thorough analysis of St. Peter's Preparatory School was conducted so that relevant
information on the organizational goals, resources and constraints could be gathered. This
information is essential as it would point to indicators or causes that would lead to the
learning and performance gap at the educational institution (Van Tiem, Moseley and
Dessinger, 2012). This step was taken first in conducting this needs assessment as it will
allow this assessment team to look at the heart of the educational institution. As noted by
Van Tiem, Moseley and Dessinger (2012) it will allow for the critical elements in the
organization to be effectively identified to ensure that in the end all the organizational
elements are properly aligned to ensure effective functioning and achievement of desired
Organizational Goals
Through an analysis of the school policy handbook and through the interview process
● Use technological advances to drive science instruction so that the learning process is
● Provide technological ready classrooms for students and teachers to ensure that the
needed technological advances are available for use within the classrooms so that
● Ensuring that all teachers and students are able to make full use of technology
The leaders and administrators at St. Peter's Preparatory School have noted the
the school has sort to improve the technology infrastructure by outfitting classrooms with
projectors and even upgrade the library by outfitting it with multimedia technology to
Organizational Resources
Information collected from the interview, and questionnaires showed that the
organization is equipped with resources that would help to ensure technology is used within
the teaching and learning process. The school was able to procure sponsorship to outfit the
technology lab with computers that can be used by both students and teachers. The
classrooms are being outfitted with mounted projectors and even a computer for the use of
the teachers to utilize technology in their teaching. In addition to the facilities and the
equipment present at the school the educational facilitators possess varying skills and
Organizational Climate
The climate at the institution is one where the teachers and students are ready for the
use of technology to improve teaching and learning. This readiness can be seen through the
installation of the new technological devices throughout the compound. The institution on
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its own realized the value and need for technology in teaching and therefore sort outside
assistance in equipping and upgrading the educational infrastructure to ensure that technology
could be effectively integrated. This integration was a welcomed initiative by both teachers
and students which showed that the educational climate at the school is one that is not
adverse or resistant to change once it is seen as a change that will improve the overall
Organizational Constraints
From the analysis of the data collected it is evident that the main constraint that the
organization faces is that of a social and somewhat financial issue. In order to ensure that
these upgrades were made to the institution outside donors were contacted to make pledges
that were all injected into the technological infrastructure at the school. However, some areas
were still left unfinished since the finances drop short in the final stages of installation. The
social constraints look at the decline in desire by students to put the effort into learning the
content required for the science areas as they do not see the need, the value or application of
the knowledge in their lives. Therefore, this has created a level of students who are not
Environmental Analysis
The conduction of the environmental analysis for St. Peter's Preparatory School will
look at highlighting the learning and support environment for the institution and the role they
play in the performance issue under investigation. Van Tiem, Moseley & Dessinger (2012)
stated “performance does not occur in a vacuum” pg. 145. Therefore, by investigating these
areas, it will allow for further scrutiny and creditable identification of the gaps that exist
The learning environment which is also referred to as the delivery environment as noted
by Rothwell and Kazanas (2008) investigates the working conditions that the workers must
endure, and the role that these conditions play in the existence of the current learning or
performance situation. The specific areas that will be investigated are the learners’
Student Involvement. The students noted that they want to see their teachers use
more technology when teaching science as the subject can be very boring since many of the
teachers would simply give notes for them to study. By being bored in class for the subject
area the students purported that they lost interest in the subject area as it offered no interest or
for use thereby allowing the incorporation of technology in teaching the data collected
showed that many of the teachers did not make use of what was available when teaching
science. This was not because they were unwilling which was one of the encouraging factors
of the school. There was a high level of support and solidarity among the teachers as they
were willing to work together to improve the performance of the students in the area of
science.
looks at working environment in particular the availability of resources and support systems.
Rothwell and Kazanas (2008) noted that the support environment provides needed support to
the learning environment so that the desired performance can be achieved. The analysis of
the support environment will fall under a full analysis of the workplace environment which
will entail delving into resources, policies, management and stakeholder support (Van Tiem,
Policies. The data collected noted that although the institution leaders are aware of
the importance of using technology they have not cemented the use of the technology
provided into policies of the school. Therefore, there is no mandatory policy that states that
teachers should use meaningful technology advances to improve the overall learning
performance of students. This means that it is left to the discretion of the instructor to make
Resource Available. From the data collected and from the SWOT analysis
developed for the institution (see appendix) the teachers are provided with modern projecting
devices in each classroom to make the use of technology in teaching easily accessible.
Although these resources were present, from a deep analysis it was realized that some were
support for the use of technology is present at the school. This was highlighted by the
teachers when they pointed out that it was the administration that made the move to finding
sponsors for the upgrades that were done to the technology infrastructure of the school. The
teachers also noted that the principal along with the deputy principal would from time to time
encourage them to make use of the technology available to meet and improve the learning
Gap Analysis
The gap, as stated by Van Tiem, Moseley and Dessinger (2012) is the comparison
between the actual and the desired performance. The table below shows the gap analysis for
By the end of the term there The results or the mean 80% performance
improvement is
will be 100% improvement in of the students’
required.
students’ performance in the performance at the end
area of Science of the final year exam
reduced by 10% in the
area of science
By the end of the term the Only 50% of the 50% of the
infrastructural support is infrastructural support is
infrastructural support will be
100% complete. completed. not complete.
By the end of the term teachers Limited computer usage 75% of teachers do not
among teachers: 25%. use computers.
computer usage will improve
to 100%
Gap Prioritisation
The following table outlines the priorities with respect to the gaps identified on a scale
of 1 to 10, from low to high, in terms of criticality. The gaps with the highest scores will be
addressed first.
Performance Gap 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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is required.
in Science.
Cause Analysis
The completion of the cause analysis for St. Peter's Preparatory School will provided
added information that will help in determining the gaps that are present at the institution
Rooney & Heuvel (2004). By using the outline provided by Van Tiem, Moseley & Dessinger
(2012) the cause analysis will highlight the performance drivers along with the performance
deficiencies that would play a contributing role in the creation of the gaps. The completion
of this section of the needs assessment is essential to ensuring that appropriate solutions are
formulated. The table below is a tabulation summary of the cause analysis conducted.
1.
Desired Performance By the end of the term there will be 100% improvement in
to improve learning.
2.
Desired Performance By the end of the term there will be 100% improvement in
of learner
3.
Desired Performance By the end of the term the infrastructural support will be 100%
complete.
4.
Desired Performance By the end of the term teachers’ computer usage will improve to
100%
Analysis of Interview
The principal of the school was interviewed to assist in substantiating the information
that was gathered from the teacher’s survey questionnaire. The principal noted that the
school got assistance from an outside donor who was able to provide financial assistance to
have projectors and a computer mounted in each classroom. This was done to facilitate the
use of technology in the classroom setting. The principal noted that teachers are evaluated on
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a regular basis by level heads and master teachers using a development evaluation form sent
to the school from the ministry. From the analysis of the forms the principal mentioned that
they noticed in the section for use of technology, that although the tech is available in the
classroom it is not always used by the teacher during the delivery of lessons. The principal
also alluded to the fact that when it is used it is done to show a simple video or a quick
PowerPoint presentation where the students can be seen writing the information from the
When the principal was asked about her feelings concerning training and if she thinks
that the teachers should have received training after installation of hardware, she said:
“Training is essential for the continued improvement of any institution. When a new
initiative is being introduced we should never take for granted that the users know how to use
or implement effectively, but we should strive to give continuous training in the proper
integration of any new technology so that it can be beneficial for all users.”
From the short interview conducted it is clear that the principal knew the importance
of efficiently using and integrating technology into teaching and learning. She has
knowledge regarding how teachers can improve on their teaching strategies to make an easy
transition into using technology to improve the overall learning experiences of students.
Proposed Solutions
Cause Analysis
As part of the performance improvement, the process, cause analysis is a formative
evaluation of the gaps in performance that exist. Design of experiments was considered in
determining the variables that affect performance. The cause analysis was ingrained in both
environmental factors along with distinct behaviour patterns. Van Tiem, Moseley, and
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Dessinger (2004) clarify that cause analysis pursuits for in-depth comprehension of how
individual performer and organizational traits add to the defined performance gap. The results
generated from data collecting methods such as surveys advises the cause analysis in a
As the gaps were identified a cause analysis was conducted to determine the root
causes of the gaps. This cause data facilitated the determination of suitable solutions for
closing the performance gaps. Cause analysis and intervention selection are closely
analysis is applicable, but unfortunately afford a direct solution to resolving the issues. The
cause analysis presents a means for characterising performance gaps that are a result of
lacking in environmental support from those involved. For example, insufficient knowledge,
abilities, attitudes and skills. In using the results of the cause analysis, better conversant
decisions are prepared concerning the selection, design, and development of interventions to
eradicate the root causes of performance gaps (Rosenberg, 1996). Much consideration, in this
instance, was given to three distinct features. Another being was the performance closely
related to any policy arrangement and organizational mission. Yet another, how readily
accessible is the needed data. Lastly, any cost attached to taking action verses that cost of
fundamental issues that resulted in a problem in performance (Watkins, West Meiers &
Visser, 2012). Where the gaps in performance are identified, there presented is a need to
bridge the actual performance with that of the desired performance. A beneficial tool for
examining contributing factors that hinder this attainment is the root cause analysis. A
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methodical process which highlights these policies, processes and procedures which are
contributing to the limitations in performance. The said root causes may now influence any
of needs assessment, root cause analysis provides prized data which is vital in decision
making. Another feature of the analysis that should be noted is its ability to scrutinized any
changes made and bring to the forefront the fact there may be improvements made but to the
The ‘5 Whys’ approach endorsed by Watkins, West Meiers and Visser (2012), along
with a comprehensive process was followed in conducting the needs assessment root cause
analysis. As the data that was gathered was analysed the highest priority gaps were further
evaluated. The highest priority gap was given this privilege in order to save on resources. The
data collection methods employed, ………………….., acknowledged the causal factors Commented [2]: I need some help with a time frame.
affecting the performance and its ascription to the performance gap. This was done within a
time frame of ……………….. In the development of the budget and schedule of the needs
assessment, the range of the analysis was always kept in close consideration. Often enough
the analogy of peeling an onion is linked to root cause analysis (Watkins, West Meiers &
Visser, 2012). Describing the unravelling of causal factors that may lead to the exact source
of an issue. Presented here is the ‘5 Whys’ tactic to guide the analysis process, the data
generated through the data collection methods functioned as the source to answer these lines
of questioning.
The is an ineffective use of technology at St. Peter’s Preparatory School to enhance science
pedagogy despite the institution being somewhat up to date with hardware and software.
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From the data gathering process which was recently concluded, what emerged there
was sufficient evidence to make an informed decision as to the next move forward. It lay the
basis for proposed solutions that would in some form bridge the gap in performance at St.
purpose is to attain relevant data to help determine whether or not a program’s assets are
directed to the audiences involved and areas of pertinent needs, determining if in fact gaps in
In examining why the issues at St. Peter’s Preparatory School exist, there is a dire
need to identify the causes and by extension distinguish the root causes of these issues. In
scrutinizing the data gathered, its analysis and further explanation of findings, certain insights
(1991) (as cited in Morrison, Ross , Kalman & Kemp, 2012) acknowledged six types of
educational needs, but the one need that is applicable in this situation is future or anticipated
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need. This need proves its validity in that there is a necessity arising acknowledging an
incongruity between what is presently available and the expected demand of the future.
The assembled data divulges further questions that are critical in determining the
move frontward and has to be addressed for the benefit of all parties involved. Such questions
that can be addressed are involved in the feasibility and cost effectiveness of any solution
undertaken. It is of utmost prudence to note, however, that this needs assessment intention
was to decipher the problem, the gaps, its effects and anticipated results. In answering the ‘5
eliminate or minimize the effects of the root causes (Morrison, Ross, Kalman & Kemp,
2012).
Root Cause 1
Root Cause 2
Root Cause 3
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Proposed Solutions
Suggested Interventions
Intervention Non-instructional
Strategic Planning
Intervention Instructional
Learning Intervention
Intervention
Feedback Support
Description Lesson plans will be reviewed by the Principal and feedback will
be given in a timely manner.
References
Retrieved from:https://search-proquest-
com.library.open.uwi.edu/docview/200355535?accountid=42537
Competencies for
Prentice Hall
Landau, R. (1996). The mosaic of economic growth. Stanford, Calif: Stanford Univ. Press.
Lusthaus, C., Adrien, M., Anderson, G., Carden, F., & Montalván, G. P. (2002).
Sorenson, S. (2002, June). Training for the long run. Engineered Systems, 32.
Watkins, R., West Meiers, M. & Visser, Y. L. (2012). A Guide to Assessing Needs:
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Development Results.
Morrison, G. R., Ross, S. M., Kalman, H. K., & Kemp, J. E. (2012). Chapter 1-5. In
Designing Effective Instruction (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
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Dear Teachers,
This survey is being conducted for data collection by ATNA, a team of instructional design
students who are investigating the problem of decline in passes in science at the institution.
The information needed for is survey is to assist in completing a needs assessment and
intervention development for the educational institution. The purpose of this questionnaire is
to determine how confident you are integrating technology into classroom teaching and if this
There are 3 sections to this questionnaire. You do not have to answer any question you are
not comfortable with. ALL information collected will be kept confidential. We appreciate
your honest feedback since you are the knowledge experts in the issues affecting the learning
Regards
Team ATNA
2. Age Group
20-26: { } 26-33: { } 34-40: { }
41-47: { } 47- 53: { } Older than 53: { }
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5. Have you received any computer or technology course training in college to prepare
you for technology use in the classroom?
Yes { } No { }
Internet
Microsoft Word
Spreadsheets
PowerPoint
Interactive Whiteboard
SECTION III –
8. Using the following scale please answer Section 3
9. In your estimation what is the main cause of the failures among students in sciences
Boring classes since they lack the use of technology { }
Lack of motivation by students in regards to the subject area { }
Students not seeing the relevance of the subject in their everyday life { }
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Beneficial Harmful
Is this a If YES, is
root cause an action
of the plan
event? indicated?
If YES, what
Contributing YES NO contributed to this YES NO YE NO
Factors factor being an issue? S
Issues related to ” ” ” ” ” ”
person
assessment?
Issues related to ” ” ” ” ” ”
staff training or
staff competency?
Equipment/device ” ” ” ” ” ”
?
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Work ” ” ” ” ” ”
environment?
Lack of time ” ” ” ” ” ”
available for
training by staff?
Communication? ” ” ” ” ” ”
Administrative/B ” ” ” ” ” ”
udgetary issues?