A Program Theory-Driven Perspective on Training Evaluation

• In Event: Poster Session 3

Session Submission Type: Poster Session

Abstract

Evaluation of trainings has been dominated for decades by the four levels approach to evaluation, which suggests assessing learners’ reaction, learning, behavior, and results. From a program theory driven evaluation viewpoint, however, this approach with its focus on outcomes neglects important input and context conditions of a training as well as learning processes. Based on this critique, a comprehensive, theory based approach to training evaluation is presented. An exemplary study serves to demonstrate how drawing on program theory enables evaluation to identify strengths and weaknesses as well as recommendations for improving the trainings’ concept and realization. It is argued that an entirely outcome-focused approach to training evaluation like the four levels model is not able to provide such formative feedback.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Research on Evaluation

Papers

• A Program Theory-Driven Perspective on Training Evaluation - Jan Hense, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München; Heinz Mandl, University of Munich