Stage 4: evaluation of training

Evaluation is an important yet often neglected part of training.

The use of evaluation tools and methodologies helps assess the effectiveness of the training at different levels, thus quantifying the value of the training programme to individuals and the organisation. Evaluation is usually the final aspect of a training programme. However, the training is a circular process, so this stage also involves identifying helpful changes to the training programme that should be made for future iterations.

Evaluating training is difficult as it is hard to quantify and measure direct benefits that the course has had for individuals and organisations. Evaluation becomes easier when there are direct outputs to measure, such as increasing the speed of typing or reducing waste from the production of a widget.

One of the most common methods of assessing training is post-training surveys completed by the trainees. Trainees are asked to complete their views on a number of aspects of the course (usually using a Likert scale from one to five, stating how satisfied they are with certain aspects of the course) such as quality of materials, the use of examples and the quality of feedback provided.

We will discuss the different levels and methods of training evaluation in more detail in Short Course 4.

Your task

The most common and well-known training evaluation method is a training survey that trainees complete at the end of a training programme, often before they leave. Do you think a survey is a useful evaluation tool?

Have a look at these examples of training evaluation surveys. What value do they have for the planning of future training?