The purpose of this study was to improve instructional system design at Small
Business Development Centers by developing a best practice model for assessing client
training needs. Two research questions were addressed:
1. Is self-directed learning an appropriate framework for instructional system design at
Small Business Development Centers?
2. What are the components of a self-directed learning-based model for assessing the
training needs of Small Business Development Center clients in Small Business
Management programs?
The theoretical framework that guided the research was constructivism.
METHODS:
Data collection included:
1) reviews of self-directed learning, instructional system design, needs assessment and
Small Business Development Center literature;
2) preliminary interviews of Small Business Development Centers clients and instructors
and university professors;
3) facilitation of a Delphi Method (using email); and
4) final interviews of the Delphi panelists.
Analysis included qualitative and quantitative techniques. Findings included the
compatibility of self-directed learning with Small Business Development Center
educational practices and Delphi panel consensus on 34 training needs assessment items.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
The conclusions were:
1. Self-directed learning is an appropriate framework for instructional system design at
Small Business Development Centers.
2. Knowles' Andragogical Process Model is an appropriate foundation upon which to
design instructional systems for Small Business Development Centers.
3. A self-directed learning-based training needs assessment model that incorporates the
components of Knowles' Andragogical Process Model serves the needs of clients
enrolled in the Small Business Management program at Small Business Development
Centers.
4. Self-directed learning-based instructional systems for graduate programs in business
and adult education will prepare personnel qualified to improve Small Business
Development Center and other adult education programs.
A model for assessing client training needs at Small Business Development Centers was
developed from this study. The model illustrates the integration of self-directed learning
with instructional design in Small Business Management programs.
Recommendations were made for program development and further research.
Self-directed learning-based instructional designs were recommended for Small Business
Development Center and adult education program developers. Research is needed to test
the model and to conduct action research that includes Small Business Development
Center instructors and clients and university professors. / Graduation date: 1997
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/34367 |
| Date | 05 June 1996 |
| Creators | Good, Glenn C. |
| Contributors | Kenneke, Larry J. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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