Dr Richard Dune

12-01-2024

10 effective ways to evaluate training: Enhancing outcomes with ComplyPlus™ LMS

Image by Pressmaster via Envato Elements

Boost your organisation’s training evaluation with ComplyPlus™ LMS - unlock powerful insights and improve learning outcomes with smart, effective tools

In an era where continuous development is the key to success, meandering towards growth means investing in effective training methods. However, choosing and implementing these tactics is just half of the battle - comprehensively appraising their effectiveness brings the real competitive edge.

In this blog,  Dr Richard Dune  demystifies the process, shedding light on ten tried and true evaluation methods while showing how ComplyPlus™ LMS elevates their value for a seamless, data-driven evaluation.

Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation

Developed in the 1950s by Donald Kirkpatrick, this model remains a standard in training evaluation. It is comprehensive, easy to understand, and offers a multi-dimensional view of training effectiveness. It assesses training at four levels:

• Reaction - Gathering immediate feedback from participants regarding their thoughts and feelings about the training.
• Learning - Measuring the extent of knowledge or skills acquired.
• Behaviour - Evaluating changes in participant behaviour after returning to the workplace.
• Results - Assessing the training’s impact on business objectives.

Phillips ROI methodology

This is an extension of Kirkpatrick's model, developed by Jack Phillips and focuses on calculating training programs' financial return on investment. Its key characteristics include the same first four levels as Kirkpatrick’s, plus a fifth level measuring ROI, making it unique in its focus on financial outcomes.

CIPP evaluation model

Developed by Daniel Stufflebeam, this model stands for Context, Input, Process, and Product. It offers a comprehensive framework to evaluate training programs by assessing:

• Context - Identifying the need for training.
• Input - Evaluating resources and training strategies.
• Process - Assessing the execution of the training.
• Product - Measuring the outcomes and effectiveness.
• Key characteristics - Systematic and holistic, focusing on both the training process and its outcomes.

Pre- and post-training assessments

This method measures learning by comparing performance before and after training and Involves administering assessments to participants before and after the training to evaluate knowledge and skills gained. Its key characteristics include providing clear, quantifiable data on learning effectiveness.

Surveys and questionnaires

These are common tools for gathering feedback and opinions, which are distributed before, during, or after training to collect participant feedback on various aspects of the program. This method is flexible, easy to administer, and can provide both quantitative and qualitative data.

Interviews and focus groups

These are qualitative methods for in-depth understanding. One-on-one interviews or group discussions are used to explore participant experiences and perceptions. These methods are rich in detail, offering nuanced insights into the participant experience.

Observation and job performance evaluation

These methods are direct assessments of skill application in the workplace. These are used in observing participants performing job-related tasks to assess the practical application of learned skills and provide real-world evidence of training effectiveness.

Case studies and simulations

These are interactive methods that replicate real-world scenarios. Participants apply learned concepts to simulated or real-life situations to test their understanding and decision-making and encourage active learning and critical thinking.

360-degree feedback

This is a holistic feedback method involving multiple sources. It is used by gathering feedback from peers, subordinates, supervisors, and sometimes clients about a participant’s performance and offers a well-rounded view of participant development and impact.

Comparative analysis

A method of comparing different groups or conditions that Involves comparing training outcomes between groups (e.g., those who received training vs. those who didn’t) to assess effectiveness. It helps in isolating the effects of training from other variables.

The edge of ComplyPlus™ LMS

Complementing these gold-standard methods, ComplyPlus™ LMS acts as a catalyst, enhancing their effectiveness by providing a unified platform for implementation and analysis. Its sophisticated data collection, logical analysis, and intuitive reporting tools make it invaluable for each evaluation method.

Whether it's administering immediate surveys, facilitating comprehensive assessments, tracking ROI, or enabling 360-degree feedback, ComplyPlus™ LMS streamlines the process, amplifying accuracy and boosting efficiency in training evaluation.

ComplyPlus™ LMS support for each evaluation method

ComplyPlus™ LMS enhances each of these methods by providing a unified platform for implementation and analysis. Its data collection, analysis, and reporting capabilities make it an invaluable tool in realising the full potential of each evaluation method.

From administering surveys and assessments to tracking ROI and facilitating 360-degree feedback, ComplyPlus™ LMS streamlines the process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in training evaluation.

Conclusion

The fruitful blend of these dynamic evaluation methods and ComplyPlus™ LMS could redefine your training approach, leading to a better-informed and agile organisation. Take the futuristic leap today and open new horizons for training evaluation in your organisation. Effective training evaluation is a multifaceted process, requiring a blend of different approaches to capture the full impact of training programs.

Organisations can comprehensively view their training effectiveness by understanding and applying these 10 methods. ComplyPlus™ LMS is crucial in supporting these methods, making the evaluation process more seamless and data-driven.

Evaluate training with confidence using ComplyPlus™ LMS

Training without evaluation is guesswork. In regulated sectors like health and social care, it’s not enough to deliver training - you need to prove it works.

ComplyPlus™ LMS  supports this by combining CPD-accredited training with powerful evaluation tools. From real-time tracking and knowledge checks to feedback collection and outcome analysis, our platform helps you assess the true impact of every course.

Whether you're assessing staff knowledge, behavioural change, or service-level outcomes, our LMS gives you the evidence you need to make training meaningful and measurable.

Visit the  CPD Certification Service Accreditation website  to see why providers across the UK rely on ComplyPlus™ LMS for training that’s not only delivered, but evaluated and improved.

Last updated on 24-05-2025