Evaluating Training

Aims 1. To share and explore purposes and processes for evaluation 2. To examine attitudes and beliefs about evaluation

Activity 1.Look at the following 5 statements about evaluation. Decide whether you agree, disagree or are undecided about each statement.  We should conduct a formal evaluation of each part or day of a training event.  We should elicit information rather than opinion in evaluation.  Any feedback we receive must be acted upon.  The most useful information we receive from participants is at the end of the training event.  What participants say in evaluations is always true and worthy of attention. (Worksheet)

2.Share your opinions with a colleague in the group. Note points of disagreement and uncertainty.

Purposes of Evaluation FORMATIVE To assess how the trainee is progressing and to adapt the programme accordingly. SUMMATIVE To evaluate the achievements of the trainee at the end of or following a period of training.

DEVELOPMENT To assess how the training is progressing and adapt the approach and procedures accordingly. ACCOUNTABILITY To evaluate if those delivering the training have done their job properly

Thinking Question Why consider evaluation before thinking about what sorts of activity and learning experience to provide?

Goals Starting points Purposes Content Procedures Roles EVALUATION Of course Of participants

Activity In groups, discuss the following questions, with reference to your OWN contexts: 1.In what ways do you gather information during training events? 2.What do you do with the information you collect? 3.Which people are good sources of evaluative information? 4.What are the purposes of your evaluations?