7 Responses

1. Kirkpatrick method of training
   The Industrial Society have recently published (April last year if I recall) a survey on evaluation of training which discusses Kirkpatrick and their own Endless Wheel of Development.

   They also run an excellent course on Evaluation of Training.

   In addition any book you pick up on Evaluation of Training is likely to cover this method

2. 4 -stage evaluation model
   Anna

   Kirkpatrick produced a model in the 80’s about evaluating training. It is a four stage model
   which suggests to be successful training should be measured in four ways:
   – Reaction to the training
   – Learning/practice phase post training
   – Behaviour change
   – Results

   i.e If the initial reaction is positive, the individual is more likely to practise, if the opportunity to practise is supported, behaviour change will occur and eventually you will see the result. Measuring each stage ensures that you can determine why training is/or isn’t successful. We have developed a post training evaluation tool to help trainers measure these four aspects – available from HRZone.

3. Training Evaluation request
   Look out for the FENMAN series of training manuals, reasonably priced at under £200, there is one entitled ‘Training Evaluation’ by David Simmonds. This is crammed with practical models and tools for evaluating a variety of training interventions.

   Well worth a look!

4. Kirkpatrick Model
   Anna – I have a quick and easy guide to the Kirkpatrick Model – what it is and how to use it effectively, which I would be happy to e-mail you. Just let me know. My e-mail address is kbaldwin@skillsoft.com.

5. Evaluation questionnaire on-line
   Check out http://portals.getfeedback.net/portalfiles/trainingevalport.html

6. Kirkpatrick Training Evaluation
   Evaluating Training Programs 2nd Edition is a how-to book written by Donald Kirkpatrick which takes you through the four stages – Evaluating Reaction, Behaviour, Learning, Results. published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc, San Francisco
   ISBN 1-57675-042-6. It is very user friendly and has some really good case studies.

7. KIRKPATRICK
   As explained below, a system of 4 stages or levels at which evaluation may be conducted – care: research (Janek & Alliger, 1989) shows little correlation between each of the levels (ie you may not react well to the training but that does NOT stop you from learning, you may learn well but be unable to apply etc) – my biggest concern is about why evaluation is being carried out – is it, on one side, to prove training effect/control costs or, on the other, to improve training/reinforce learning from the training? (for me, the former seems sterile compared to the potential fertility of the latter – see my article in Banking & Financial Training Oct 1998 – happy to chat 020 8878 6422 – Iain Thomson