Evaluation Effectiveness of Training and Development

Measuring the effectiveness of training programs consumes valuable time and resources.

The Kirkpatrick Model

The most well-known and used model for measuring the effectiveness of training programs was developed by Donald Kirkpatrick in the late 1950s. The basic structure of Kirkpatrick’s four-level model is shown here.

Kirkpatrick Model for Evaluating Effectiveness of Training Programs

An evaluation at each level answers whether a fundamental requirement of the training program was met. It’s not that conducting an evaluation at one level is more important that another. All levels of evaluation are important. In fact, the Kirkpatrick model explains the usefulness of performing training evaluations at each level. Each level provides a diagnostic checkpoint for problems at the succeeding level.

So, if participants did not learn (Level 2), participant reactions gathered at Level 1 (Reaction) will reveal the barriers to learning. Now moving up to the next level, if participants did not use the skills once back in the workplace (Level 3), perhaps they did not learn the required skills in the first place (Level 2).

Quick Guide to Conduct a Training Evaluation

Level 1 (Reaction)

Completed participant feedback questionnaire

Informal comments from participants

Focus group sessions with participants

Level 2 (Learning)

Pre- and post-test scores

On-the-job assessments

Supervisor reports

Level 3 (Behavior)

Completed self-assessment questionnaire

On-the-job observation

Reports from customers, peers and participant’s manager

Level 4 (Results)

Financial reports

Quality inspections

Interview with sales manager

When considering what sources of data will use for the evaluation, think about the cost and time involved in collecting the data. Balance this against the accuracy of the source and the accuracy you actually need. Will existing sources suffice or will you need to collect new information?

information Sources include:

Hardcopy and online quantitative reports

Production and job records

Interviews with participants, managers, peers, customers, suppliers and regulators

Checklists and tests

Direct observation

Questionnaires, self-rating and multi-rating

Key Points

Measurement and Evaluation are the analysis and comparison of actual progress versus prior plans, oriented toward improving plans for future implementation

Measurement is the process of gathering data. also it is the act of assigning numerals to process or events or items, using some consistent set of roles.

Monitoring is the regular observation and recording of activities taking place in a project or programme. It is a process of routinely gathering information on all aspects of the project.

The most well-known and used model for measuring the effectiveness of training programs is Kirkpatrick Model