Evaluation of Training

What You Will Learn

Plan Evaluation

• How to make critical planning decisions that will guarantee success.
• The 4 levels of evaluation: reaction, learning, application, and results, including return-on-investment (ROI).
• Step-by-step procedures to successfully evaluate any training program – even "soft" skills.
• How to turn "fuzzy" training expectations into measurable results.
• Proven methods for getting management buy-in.
• 7 key steps for planning a highly successful evaluation.
• How to write a concrete evaluation goal.
• 4 practical ways to determine baseline and expected performance.
• Where to look (and who to see) to get the right data.
• Simple ways to involve management in the evaluation process.
• 5 key elements to make your data more accurate and convincing.
• Practical and time-saving methods that will give you the confidence to tackle any training situation.

Design Instruments

• Over 30 proven evaluation tools – including many novel variations.
• Fail-safe checklists to make your evaluation highly credible.
• How to collect evidence that supports your case.
• Practical guidelines on when to use each tool.
• 2 main types of evidence that support the case for training results.
• 4 major concerns in creating application instruments.
• 2 categories of tests that verify learning.
• 5 question types to determine reactions to training.
• How to select the best evaluation tools at all 4 levels.
• Over 40 realistic examples of instruments.

Implement Process

• How to select the ideal time and location to collect data.
• 10 ways to get full participation from all people involved.
• How to maximize return rates.
• Which tools are easiest to administer.
• Who should be involved in administering instruments.
• How to collect data when ideal conditions don't exist.
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
• How to conduct relevant and efficient evaluations immediately after the workshop.

Analyze Data

• How to calculate the impact of training using both proven and innovative techniques.
• Step-by-step procedures to calculate costs and benefits of training.
• How to find convincing evidence of training's real impact on the organization.
• 8 key questions to isolate training from other changes in the organization.
• How to substantiate your findings.
• 12 criteria to guarantee accurate and consistent data before, during, and after training.
• How to deal with tangible and intangible data.
• 5 ways to convert tangible data into dollar values.
• How to interpret performance information and take the best course of action.
• 6 insightful questions that tie management expectations into evaluation.
• Simple methods for calculating the return-on-investment (ROI) of any course.
• An approach for determining how well training met non-financial expectations.

Communicate Results

• How to build a compelling case for the value of your training.
• The 5 key components of a professional evaluation report.
• A structured worksheet that helps you prepare a rock-solid report.
• How to write an impressive evaluation report that gets the attention of management.
• A classic example of a completed report – including an easy-to-follow format.
• Step-by-step procedures for reporting results and making constructive recommendations to management.
• Best practices for delivering difficult messages.