Introduction
This Unit gives suggestions for several evaluation instruments. Evaluation is an essential and integral part of the training curriculum, not just the end of training. Evaluation helps in determining training needs, defining training objectives, adjusting training methods and materials, deleting unnecessary content, executing training, verifying accomplishments, following-up with trainees and reducing training costs. Evaluating whether objectives have been accomplished is as important as specifying training objectives. Evaluation tools may range from objective tests to subjective assessments. Formal evaluation may include monitoring the course climate, pre- and post-tests, partial tests, continuous activity evaluation, evaluation of course coordination and course materials and final course evaluation. None of these evaluation procedures are intended to grade trainees or resource people, but to monitor course progress.
Unit objectives / expected outcomes
After the completion of the Unit the trainee will be able to:
- discuss the relevance of training evaluation and individual evaluation procedures;
- monitor the course climate;
- conduct and analyse pre- and post-tests, partial tests, continued activity evaluations, evaluations of course coordination and course materials and the final course evaluation.
Content outline, main topics covered and suggested sequencing
This Unit focuses on the topics listed below:
- Introduction (PPT No. 1, Slides 1 – 5) (10 min)
- Relevance of evaluation: brainstorming with flipcharts on "What is the relevance of evaluation?" (Exercise No.1 in M03U01) (15 min), followed by (PPT No. 1, Slides 6 – 20) (15 min)
- Monitoring the course climate (PPT No. 1, Slides 21 – 24) (15 min)
- Pre- and post tests: brainstorming with flipcharts on "How to apply pre- and post-tests" (Exercise No.1 in M03U01; This is the same exercise as before, using a different question) (15 min), followed by (PPT No. 1, Slides 25 – 34) (10 min)
- Partial tests: brainstorming with flipcharts on "How would you conduct a partial test?" (Exercise No.1 in M03U01; This is the same exercise as before, using a different question) (15 min), followed by (PPT No. 1, Slides 35 – 40) (10 min)
- Continuous activity evaluation: brainstorming with flipcharts on "What is the function of the continuous activity evaluation?" (Exercise No.1 in M03U01; This is the same exercise as before, using a different question) (15 min), followed by (PPT No. 1, Slides 41 – 49) (10 min)
- Evaluation of course coordination and course materials (PPT No. 1, Slides 50 – 54) (20 min)
- Final questionnaire: brainstorming with flipcharts on "What are the components of a final questionnaire?" (Exercise No.1 in M03U01; This is the same exercise as before, using a different question) (15 min), followed by (PPT No. 1, Slides 55 – 65) (15 min)
Components of the Unit
Exercises
Handouts for Trainee (to be distributed in printed format):
- Training Evaluation (Handout4T)
- Evaluation Form: Continuous Activity Evaluation
- Evaluation Form: Continuous Activity Evaluation - Summary
- List of Additional Resources
Handouts for Trainee (to be distributed in digital format)
Presentations
Duration
3 hrs
Additional trainer resources
- Biech, E. (Editor). 2008. ASTD Handbook for Workplace Learning Professionals. The American Society for Training and Development, Baltimore, USA. ISBN-10: 156286-512-9
- Kirkpatrick, D.L. 1998. Evaluating Training Programs: The four levels. 2nd ed. Berrett-Koehler, San Francisco, USA.
- Mayo, G.D. and DuBois, P.H. 1987. The complete book of training: theory, principles, and techniques. University Associates, San Diego, California, USA. ISBN: 0-88390-208-7. 217+ pages.
- Pretty, J.N., Guijt, I., Scoones, I. and Thompson, J. 1995. A trainer's guide for participatory learning and action. International Institute for Environment and Development, London, UK. 267+ pages.
- Taylor, P. and Beniest, J. 2003. Training in agroforestry; a toolkit for trainers. World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya;
www.worldagroforestrycentre.org.
About 300 pages + CD-ROM.
Equipment needed
Computer, digital projector (beamer), flipcharts, marker pens and dartboard