The Role of EAL Needs Assessment

Needs assessment results can be used to develop course goals, lesson objectives, materials and learning activities. It provides information on the students’ four language modality levels. Once this is obtained, the teacher can determine the benchmark level of instruction and plan lessons that are within students’ zone of proximal development. A class of adult EAL students will probably have accumulated diverse personal and work-related experiences, education, family responsibilities, future plans, and learning barriers which will shape their goals for taking the course. A needs assessment can assist the teacher in becoming aware of these goals and plan a program using topics relevant to the students. Knowledge of students preferred learning styles and group formats can be obtained from a needs assessment. This is important in order for the teacher to design teaching activities that will keep anxiety levels low and meet the needs of a variety of learners. A needs assessment can also assist students with learning more about their language levels and learning styles which may help them set goals and become more aware of their own learning.

An important function of a needs assessment is to establish a warm and welcoming environment so students feel respected, that they can take risks, and are comfortable speaking to each other and the teacher.