The kind of questions that evaluations at this level can seek to answer include:
Despite the large number of questions to choose from, the evaluations you create should generally be short (ie between 5 and 15 questions) as longer evaluations tend to have much lower response/completion rates. Therefore question choice is very important.
Level 1 of the Kirkpatrick training evaluation model attempts to establish whether the conditions were right for learning to take place. This involves capturing participants’ reactions to the training programme, including reactions to its relevance, training methods, trainers, qualification and assessment methods, facilities and administration etc.
At this level evaluations should usually be deployed within two weeks of the completion of the training programme to ensure that the respondents’ recollection of the training is relatively fresh.
Learners are unlikely to give full and honest feedback if they feel that there may be a risk that the information they provide could be used against them in any way.
Once you have created your evaluation it is advisable to pilot test it before deploying it with the target group.
You may want to discuss the results of the evaluation with the participants, the trainer (s) and participants’ managers. This can be an effective way of engaging others in, and identifying potential barriers to, ensuring the transfer of learning to the workplace.