What is a standard model of assessment?

Kirkpatrick is the widely recognised standard model of assessment.

• Level 1 reaction
• Level 2 learning
• Level 3 behaviour
• Level 4 results  
• Level 5 return on investment (this level is a longer term stage of evaluation)

This model is often used to evaluate elearning. It has proven particularly useful in assessing the impact of e-Learning to the organisation. 

The focus of Level 4 assessment in the Kirkpatrick’s model is on evaluating results. This is the effect on the business or environment resulting from the improved performance of the learner. In the health sector this is likely to be the impact on patient care.

This is the level that many people don’t reach when undertaking evaluation. However this is the level of evaluation that provides the evidence that will be required to achieve organisational acceptance of e-Learning. This acceptance will lead to the acknowledgement of e-Learning as an effective method of learning.

A suitable period of time needs to be allowed to pass before Level 4 evaluation takes place. The impact will not be obvious overnight. It is only over time that the full impact of e-Learning can be truly identified.

What makes a good evaluation?

The measures used for evaluation at Level 4 would typically be business or organisational key performance indicators. It is possible that many of these measures are already in place via normal management systems and reporting.

The evaluation process should overlay normal good management practice. To be effective the link needs to be made to the e-Learning input. Failure to link to the e-Learning input will greatly reduce the ease by which results can be attributed to the e-Learning.

You should always consider external factors which can greatly affect organisational and business performance. This can cloud the true cause of good or poor results.

Are there other factors outside of the e-Learning that can have an impact on the performance of the learners?

Related Resources

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  Kirkpatrick model of evaluation in the Toolkit
  

  A summary of the four levels of the Kirkpatrick model of evaluation in the e-Learning Readiness Toolkit.

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