Evaluating Training Programs : The Four Levels

Since its creation in 1959, Donald Kirkpatrick's four-level model for evaluating training programs has become the most widely used approach to training evaluation in the corporate, government, and academic worlds. This new edition includes revisions and updates of the existing material, plus new case studies that show the four-level model in action. Donald L. Kirkpatrick presents a system for evaluating the effectiveness of a training program. The system assesses four types of information: the reactions of the participants, the learning they achieved, changes in their behavior, and the final business results (such as increased production, improved quality, decreased costs, or higher profits). This solid, organized approach to evaluation includes guidelines, sample questionnaires, charts and formulas, as well as case studies of companies using this approach. However, because it is fairly dry and technical, this book primarily will interest those who run or rely upon training programs. The summaries of the first chapters - covering the evaluation system - can provide managers and executives with a general idea of this approach and the research involved. But getabstract particularly recommends this book to those leading training programs, because they can use its specific material as a reference when undertaking evaluations Evaluating Training Programs is a "how-to" book, designed for practitioners in the training field who plan, implement, and evaluate training programs. The author supplements principles and guidelines with numerous sample survey forms for each step of the process. For those who have planned and conducted many programs, as well as those who are new to the training and development field, this book is a handy reference guide that provides a practical and proven model for increasing training effectiveness through evaluation. This text is designed as a reference source for practitioners in the training field who plan, implement and evaluate supervisor and management level training programmes, incorporating case studies and including a guide to operating procedures. Second revised edition. "A how-to book designed for practitioners in the training field who plan, implement, and evaluate training programs. Considers evaluating reaction, learning, behavior and results"--Cover