Training evaluations are conducted with the intent of obtaining information on the effectiveness of the training program. Training evaluations are intended to check whether the training event has met its objectives and whether participants are able to implement his or her learning on the job. The results of the evaluation process help training professionals modify future training strategies to meet objectives and implement learning to positively affect job performance.
Training evaluation tools are what is used to collect data on the training programs. They come in a variety of forms and can be divided into categories such as questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and observations. These methods are often used collectively to achieve a variety of results from different perspectives. Ultimately, several are combined to obtain the best overall assessment of the program.
These methods are designed to determine a learner’s perceptions, experience, and behavior using both qualitative and quantitative data. The information obtained can be used to modify future training sessions.
Questionnaires
Interviews
Focus groups
Observations
Questionnaires are the most common of the training evaluation tools used to gather information on a program or session. This is because they are an efficient way to gather large amounts of both quantitative and qualitative data about a training course.
Questionnaires are a set of questions delivered to individuals for obtaining useful statistical information on a particular topic. It is an excellent tool for a reaction level assessment from the participants immediately following the training course.
A questionnaire can;
Benefits of a Questionnaire
Disadvantages of a Questionnaire
A focus group is a facilitated discussion with a group of individuals who share similar characteristics or common interests intended to collect information or obtain opinions on a specific issue. Focus groups are an excellent method to get more in-depth information on perceptions, insights, attitudes, or experiences.
Focus groups are used to understand participant’s perspective of the training course including instructor engagement, course materials, and application to work duties. The goal of this method is to obtain qualitative data, meaning that the data is descriptive and not necessarily measured numerically.
Ideally, the group discussion is facilitated in a non-threatening environment so participants feel they can speak more freely. Also, a semi-structured approach using open-ended questions to generate discussion is most useful.
Benefits of a Focus Group
Disadvantages of a Focus Group
Observation is a method of gathering data by watching an individual’s behavior in their natural setting. It entails simple watching and noting a person’s behavior after a training course to determine if they are able to perform the intended objectives. This method allows many aspects to be captured, including the physical environment, the person’s own behaviors, and his or her interactions with others.
Observation is a fairly inexpensive method for discovering more about learners’ behaviors, but it does have its limitations.
Benefits of an Observation
Disadvantages of an Observation
Interviews are a data collection method aimed at gathering both facts and opinions. They involve asking open-ended questions where the respondent can answer the questions in as much detail as her or she wishes to. Interviews can provide valuable insight into the behaviors, attitudes, opinions and mindsets.
There are different ways to conduct interviews including face-to-face, by telephone, or through Chat on the computer.
Benefits of Interviews
Disadvantages of Interviews
