Section 9.6: The Process of Training Program Evaluation

The process of training program evaluation involves:

1. Identifying the Purpose of the Training
2. Selecting an Evaluation Method
3. Designing Evaluation Tools
4. Collecting Data
5. Analyze and Report Results (The Peak Performance Center, n.d.)

Identifying the Purposes of the Training

Why do we want to evaluate the training program? Possible answers could be to evaluate:

• If the learning outcomes have been met
• If a business issue has been resolved
• If the trainees benefited from the program
• If the KSAs acquired in training were transferred to the role
• The effect of the training program throughout the business
• The advantages and disadvantages of the training program
• Whether the training program was valued in terms of the resources and time put into it
• Trainees for future training programs
• Methods to use improve forthcoming training programs (The Peak Performance Center, n.d.).

Selecting an Evaluation Method

Use the Kirkpatrick Model (reaction, learning, behaviour, results and evaluation) for the training program evaluation.

Methods for evaluating the training program evaluation can involve:

Questionnaires

Trainees answer questions based on key learnings from the training program.

Interviews

Trainees are be interviewed by the trainer regarding the effectiveness of the training program.

Focus Groups

The trainer and the trainees would be engaged in discussions regarding researched-based questions on the topic of training program evaluation (The Peak Performance Centre, n.d.).

Observations

The trainer observes the trainee throughout the training program to see if the trainee has applied the knowledge, skills, and abilities to the role.

Designing Evaluation Tools

In designing evaluation tools, the trainer needs to consider the time, questions, and learning goals  when evaluating training programs (The Peak Performance Center, n.d.).

Collecting Data

The HR professional along with the trainer will collect and organize the data regarding the effectiveness of the training program. The data will be collected from the trainees participating in the training program. The data will come from primary research and the methods listed above including questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and observations.

Analyzing and Reporting Results

As the HR professional, it is important to analyze and report the results of the training program evaluation. This can help business leaders understand whether or not the training program is effective, should be reconsidered, or should be replaced. Therefore, with the help of the trainee and the data collected using specific methods, including the Kirkpatrick Model, leaders can successfully analyze results. Moreover, an evaluation report can be developed for future reference.

The evaluation report will consist of:

• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Evaluation Method
• Results/Findings
• Discussion
• Conclusions and Recommendations
• Appendices (The Peak Performance Center, n.d.).