Practices of Need Assessment in Designing Modules in Higher Education Institutes: the Case of Colleges of Education in Amhara Region Universities

Abstract

This research investigated the practices of need assessment in designing modules in College of Education within Higher Education Institutes in Amhara region. The research looked into the training program conducted by Colleges of Education within the Universities. Relevant literature on the practice of module development and modular design were also reviewed. In the research different modular theoretical assumptions were examined and used in studying. Data were collected from three Universities namely Woldia University from the third generation, Wollo University from the second generation and Bahir Dar University from the first generation by employing questionnaires, unstructured and structured interviews and focus group discussion. Data analysis was made using chi-square, t-test and F-test for quantitative data and use of interpretational and reflective analysis for qualitative data. The findings showed that the practice of need assessment in designing modules was not done as intended. Here, critical gaps were not clearly identified and seen thoroughly. Moreover, principles of designing modules were not kept and used as needed. Eventually, it was concluded that the practices of need assessment in designing modules in the College of Education were found weak that requires consideration both from the government and institutions.