Training Evaluation

What is Training Evaluation?

Training evaluation is a continual and systematic process of assessing the value or potential value of a training course, activity or event.  Results of the evaluation are used to guide decision-making around various components of the training (e.g. instructional design, delivery, results) and it's overall continuation, modification, or elimination. 

To assist agencies in evaluating their training programs, OPM published the  Training Evaluation Field Guide in 2011. The Training Evaluation Field Guide is designed to assist agency training representatives in evaluating training  effectiveness and in demonstrating training value to stakeholders and decision makers. View this quick video for more information on the training evaluation field guide. (Please contact us if you would like training on how you can use of the field guide in your agency. cheryl.ndunguru@opm.gov)).

What is Program Evaluation and how is it related to Training Evaluation?

Program evaluation is a systematic study conducted to assess how well a program is working.  A program evaluation examines achievement of program objectives in the context of other aspects of program performance or in the context in which it occurs.Program evaluations are often conducted by experts external to the program,either inside or outside the agency.  The Government Accountability Office (GAO) works for Congress and regularly conducts Program Evaluations.  They are responsible for investigating how the Federal Government spends tax dollars.

A program evaluation is used to assess and asks questions about every aspect of a program or initiative (training programs and other types of programs), from the inputs (what resources were used to create the program) and to the outcomes (program results).  While the principles of training evaluation can apply in an overall program, training evaluation is used to assess the training/development activities within the program (e.g training courses and events).  Since programs may have activities in addition to training (e.g. services, meetings), training evaluation data can be used in the overall program evaluation. 

Please reference this LOGIC MODEL for further explanation of the differences and similarities.  A logic model provides a representation of the "theory of change" (if...then) behind a program or iniative.  Logic models can be completed for programs and initiatives and for individual courses, events or activities.  For more detailed information on logic models, you can watch this video or take EPA's FREE logic modeling course.

When we evaluate...

Why should we evaluate?

Agencies are required to evaluate their training programs annually to determine how well such plans and programs contribute to mission accomplishment and meet organizational performance goals (5 CFR 410.202). In addition, demands to demonstrate training program efficiency, program effectiveness and public accountability are increasing. Use of evaluation data meets these demands in various ways:

Planning

Analysis of course/program effectiveness or quality

Direct decision-making

Maintain accountability

When to Evaluate

There are several basic questions to ask when deciding whether to carry out an evaluation. If the answers to these questions are "Yes", this may be the time to evaluate.

How To Evaluate

Once you've determined whether or not your program or course warrants evaluation, there are various methods and models agencies can use to evaluate their training courses.  Here are a few of the most popular:

Kirkpatrick 4 Levels

The four levels of Kirkpatrick's evaluation model essentially measure:

All these levels are recommended for full and meaningful evaluation of learning in organizations.

Jack Phillips' Five Level ROI Model

Building upon the Kirkpatrack model, Jack Phillips added the fifth level the Return On Investment (ROI) produced by a training course using the financial formula:
ROI(%) = (Net Program Benefits/Program Costs) x 100

Robert Brinkerhoff's Success Case Method:

Brinkerhoff's six stage model is a comprehensive evaluation model that incorporates the results oriented aspects of the business and industry models and also the formative, improvement-orientated aspects of educational models (a systems perspective with an emphasis on return on investment).

A basic assumption of the six stage model is that the primary reason for evaluation should be to improve the program (systems perspective).

OPM's Training Evaluation Field Guide

To assist agencies in evaluating their training programs, OPM published the  Training Evaluation Field Guide in 2011. The Training Evaluation Field Guide is designed to assist agency training representatives in evaluating training effectiveness and in demonstrating training value to stakeholders and decision makers.

Field Guide Development Process

Data and information were gathered from fifteen federal agency representatives who volunteered their time to attend a one-day working meeting, participate in individual interviews and submit samples of their tools and case studies. This Field Guide reflects the input from the working group.

Key Audience and Usage

This Guide is designed for all federal employees who have a role in training evaluation and effectiveness within their agencies.

Specific users for this field guide are:

Training Evaluators

Both Kirkpatrick and Phillips (and maybe others) offer "certifications" in training evaluation, however, a "certified" evaluator is not necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of agency training. The Training Evaluation Field Guide (linked above) and books on the various methods should provide enough information to successfully evaluate your agency training.

In addition, the American Evaluation Association (AEA) is an international professional association of evaluators devoted to the application and exploration of program evaluation, personnel evaluation, technology, and many other forms of evaluation. Evaluation involves assessing the strengths and weaknesses of programs, policies, personnel, products, and organizations to improve their effectiveness. AEA has approximately 5500 members representing all 50 states in the US as well as over 60 foreign countries.

Other Evaluation Resources

(Please feel free to add your evaluation methods and tools to this page)

Here are sample spreadsheets designed to track New Employee Orientation classes and Trainer Customer Satisfaction. 

Should you desire to look at more evaluation models, there are many to choose from...