Assessing Training Effectiveness – Level 1
Training is only effective when the organization benefits from the training its employees receive. Determining the effectiveness of the training program, however, requires a measuring system be in place. The Kirkpatrick Model of assessing training effectiveness is the most widely used in industry. The model originates from its creator Donald Kirkpatrick, who created the model in the 1950s.
The four primary levels that make up the Kirkpatrick Model:
- Level 1 – Reaction
- Level 2 – Learning
- Level 3 – Behavior
- Level 4 – Results
Level 1 (Reaction)
The first level of the Kirkpatrick Model for training evaluation is to find out what the attendees of the training thought of the training – their reaction to the training.
From the evaluation, you want to determine:
- If attendees thought the training was a valuable experience
- How attendees felt about the training
- Attendees opinions on the topic of the training
- How attendees rate the training material
- Feedback on the training presentation
- Ratings of the venue where the training took place
This particular level measures the reaction of the attendees to the various aspects of the training. Obtaining this information is highly valuable to the company hosting the training. Not only can you measure how the audience received the training, but you can also seek ways to improve the training for future attendees. Finally, reaction feedback helps to pinpoint topics not covered in the training that should be in future sessions. See how eLeaP helps trainers obtain this valuable feedback from their learners.
Applying Level 1 of the Model
In order to measure the reaction of training participants, you have to come up with the questions you want them to answer for you.
Some of the questions you can consider include:
- Did the training participants feel the training was a valuable use of their time?
- Do participants rate the training as successful?
- What were the biggest advantages of the training?
- What are areas for improvement of the training?
- What did they like/dislike about the venue where the training took place?
- How did they feel about the presentation style of the information and instructor?
- Did the training accommodate their personal learning style?
After you decide which questions you want to ask training attendees, you then have to decide how you want to collect and measure their responses. One of the most popular ways to gather these answers is with attendee questionnaires or surveys. Obtaining verbal feedback from participants is another option. In conjunction with written or verbal responses, you can also observe body language and behavior during the training sessions.
Once you’ve gathered this information, review it carefully. Then, think about what changes you can make to the training, based on your trainees’ feedback and suggestions.
Level 1 Tools
eLeaP Software offers a comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS) to help you manage each aspect of evaluating the training.
- Feedback Tool: Allows the host of the training to provide a complete feedback questionnaire or survey for attendees to complete. The system sends out the questionnaire, manages the receipt of the completed questionnaires and presents the feedback forms for trainers and host companies to review and evaluate.
- White Board: Permits participants to leave informal comments for the company in regards to the training. Allowing free-response formatting gives attendees the chance to address concerns and issues not in the questionnaire.
- Forum Tool: Creates focus group sessions with training participants to gather additional feedback, evaluation and suggestions on the training. Participants can leave responses and pose questions to other attendees, as well as communicate with the trainers and company hosting the training.
Download the complete Free White Paper on “Using the Kirkpatrick Model & eLeaP to Assess Training Effectiveness”
Here’s what you’ll find covered in this White Paper:
- Detailed analysis of the Kirkpatrick Model for training assessment
- Overview of the 4 Levels of training evaluation
- Easy tools available in eLeaP to help you conduct your own assessments
- Free e-Course on what you need to know to implement your training & learning program
To download this valuable research White Paper, click here.