Understand and Use One Evaluation Model – comes from the Free Guide – Are You Struggling To Demonstrate The Return On Investment You Get From Your Training Providers?
We have to use a training evaluation model. However, there are so many models one can use to evaluate training that we struggle to choose one because;
A) Experts cannot agree on what’s best, and
B) The models are complex in both their construction & their execution, and
C) Unless you can absolutely get to your cash ROI, it seems almost pointless.
The 2 Predominant Models are:
Kirkpatrick’s Model
Donald Kirkpatrick introduced a model in 1955 that has stood the test of time. It is still the most talked about, challenged and used. It comprises of 4 levels:
- Reaction: What did the Learner think of the training?
- Learning: How much did the Learner learn?
- Behaviour: How much has the Learner’s behaviour changed?
- Results: What has been the impact on results?
Kaufman’s 5 Levels of Evaluation
Some may argue that Kaufman’s 5 Levels of Evaluation are not all that much different to Kirkpatrick’s – and you could very well think that. The core of this model is similar to Kirkpatrick’s approach. The 5 levels include:
- Process: This exists in two sub-parts – Enabling and Reaction. Enabling focuses the evaluation lens on inputs, e.g., availability and quality of materials needed to support a learning effort.
- Acquisition: This level evaluates the competency and mastery of a test group, or individual, in a controlled setting.
- Application: The purpose of this level is to evaluate the success of the group, or individual, based on how they are using the training programme content.
- Organisation Output: This level’s purpose is to evaluate the results of the contributions and payoffs of the entire organisation, as attributed to the training.
- Societal Outcomes: This level looks to see how the training impacts the contributions to and from the end-user. Knowing that there are so many evaluations, coupled with the complexity and need for absolute ROI explains why we struggle to act and the result is very few evaluations at levels 2, 3, and 4.
Action on What Training Evaluation Model to Use
We suggest following Kirkpatrick’s training evaluation model because it is the most popular, which although doesn’t mean the best, it is a huge improvement on the current levels of evaluation being carried out. You can read more about this model in Kirkpatrick’s whitepaper. You can then either implement your own simple version of Kirkpatrick’s model using one of the proven solutions in this Guide, or contact us to implement our model, which is based on Kirkpatrick’s model – See Proven Solution 5 on Page 07.
