3 Methods to Gather Learner Data for Instructional Designers

Finding out your learners' skills, feelings, and pain points during the analysis phase is a critical step in the instructional design process. It sets the foundation for designing impactful learning experiences. After all, how can you know if your training has made a difference if you don’t establish a benchmark?

Measuring the "before" gives you a clear comparison to evaluate the "after." By identifying learner needs upfront, you’re better equipped to design solutions that truly drive improvement.

Here are three broad methods you can use to gather learner data. While access to these might not always be guaranteed, it’s always worth trying!

1. Analytics

Data analytics can provide valuable insights into learner behavior. By examining metrics like views, completions, clicks, and time spent on content, you can start to recognize patterns and identify areas worth investigating further.

For example, low completion rates might signal disengagement, while spikes in views for specific sections might indicate high-interest topics. Analytics give you a bird’s-eye view of what learners are doing and where improvements are needed.

2. Surveys

Surveys are a versatile tool for collecting direct input from learners. They allow you to:

• Assess learner skills and knowledge levels.

• Gather feedback on content effectiveness.

• Understand learner satisfaction.

• Uncover critical pain points and suggestions for improvement.

Design your survey questions carefully—clear, concise, and targeted questions yield the most actionable insights.

3. Interviews

Interviews go beyond surface-level data, offering rich, qualitative insights. Speaking directly with learners provides a deeper understanding of their experiences, challenges, motivations, and goals.

For example, learners might share frustrations with current processes or highlight barriers you hadn’t considered. These conversations can reveal nuanced perspectives that surveys and analytics might miss.

Why Data Matters in Instructional Design

To drive performance improvements, you first need to understand where learners stand. By identifying their current behaviors, feelings, and goals, you can:

• Pinpoint what needs to change.

• Align your design goals with learner needs.

• Measure progress and impact effectively.

So, the next time you’re in the analysis phase, make it a priority to gather learner data. Whether it’s through analytics, surveys, or interviews, these insights are your key to designing training that truly makes a difference.