This first in a series of six learning modules on instructional planning is designed to assist secondary and postsecondary vocational teachers in becoming familiar with the variety of techniques that can be used to determine their students' needs and interests (particularly vocational), and to give practice in using these skills to obtain information which can help select the most effective learning experiences for students. Introductory sections relate the competency dealt with in this module to others in the program and list both the enabling objectives for the four learning experiences and the resources required. Materials in the learning experiences include required reading, self-check quizzes, model answers, case studies to analyze, model analyses, performance checklists, and the teacher performance assessment form for use in evaluation of the terminal objective. (The modules on instructional planning are part of a larger series of 100 performance-based teacher education (PBTE) self-contained learning packages for use in preservice or inservice training of teachers in all occupational areas. Each of the field-tested modules focuses on the development of one or more specific professional competencies identified through research as important to vocational teachers. Materials are designed for use by teachers, either on an individual or group basis, working under the direction of one or more resource persons/instructors.) (TA)