Analyzing Training to Improve Outcomes

Thorough analysis of training is the key to identifying actions required to improve training outcomes. Data collected are valuable to all parts of the education community and its customers. Customers/clients, deliverers and developers all contribute to effective training and thus have a need to review and monitor evaluation data received. Managers and executives also contribute to the data analysis process and to implementing outcome improvements.

The following are considerations applicable to each education stakeholder:

A. Customers and Clients

1. Timing of training is vital. If participants are sent to training too soon or too late, their success and perception of the value of the training to them will be skewed.
2. Employees must be allowed the time to attend the training, and funding must be available to support it.
3. Instructors, and employees assigned to instructional duties, must have strong technical skills and the aptitude and desire to teach. Instructional training must be provided. Instructors with other jobs must be given adequate time off to prepare.
4. Level 1 reports can, if properly constructed, identify possible mismatches between class materials and the intended audience. This data can also identify instructor weaknesses.

B. Deliverers

1. The key role of training deliverers is to assist instructor personnel in preparing for and delivering training. This assistance can include recommending appropriate people for instructor assignments and ensuring that personnel selected receive the necessary training. It can also include coaching to remedy instructor deficiencies.
2. The training delivery organization must ensure that a quality-learning environment is provided.
3. Training deliverers work with customer functions to ensure optimal scheduling of training.

C. Developers

1. Based on inputs from the Level 1 assessment process, developers take appropriate action to improve the quality of the instructional design, the materials and other aspects of the course for which the developer is responsible.
2. When reporting identifies a problem, the course project manager or developer reviews the issues, identifies the causes and works with other stakeholders—including the chain of command—to craft a solution.

D. Managers

1. All levels of management contribute to ensuring that course evaluation data is appropriately acted upon.
2. Managers should review data periodically to identify systemic issues affecting training quality overall, to include instructor qualification and availability, staff training needs, training delivery options and resource needs.

E. Executives

1. Replication of success or resolution of problems may require executive action, generally involving staffing, infrastructure and funding issues.
2. Ultimately, executive leadership is the prime determinant of an organization's commitment to training effectiveness.