Training evaluation is a key issue for companies and training organizations, ensuring effective and measurable learning. An effective training evaluation allows you to measure the real impact of learning on skills and business performance. However, it is easy to fall into certain traps that distort results and prevent a proper analysis of the concrete effects of training.
A good training evaluation system should not be a mere formality but a tool for continuous improvement. Let’s explore the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Confusing Satisfaction with Pedagogical Effectiveness
The Mistake: Relying Solely on Satisfaction Surveys
Many companies ask trainees what they thought of the training immediately after the session. The result? A dynamic trainer, a good atmosphere, and quality coffee can lead to excellent scores, even if the training had no real impact on skills.
What to Do
- Complement immediate feedback with pre/post training competency tests.
- Incorporate real-life scenarios to assess the application of acquired skills.
- Conduct follow-ups at 30, 60, or 90 days after training to measure retention.
Not aligning training evaluation with business objectives
The Mistake: Not Linking Training to Performance Indicators
Training should be more than just a learning moment; it must have a measurable impact on the business. However, many evaluations stop at participant impressions.
What to Do
- Define clear indicators in advance: increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, error reduction.
- Involve managers in observing the application of acquired skills in real-life situations.
- Track behavior over weeks or months to identify progress.
Example: A company training its customer service teams should track the evolution of customer satisfaction scores after training. If no improvement is seen, the program needs to be adjusted.
Evaluating Everyone the Same Way
The Mistake: Applying a Single Evaluation Grid for All Training Sessions
A technical training course is not evaluated in the same way as a soft skills training course. However, some evaluation methods apply the same criteria to all types of training, leading to inaccurate results.
What to Do
- Adapt the evaluation to the targeted skills:
- Technical training: practical tests and real-world scenarios.
- Soft skills: evaluation based on peer feedback and observation.
- Behavioral training: analysis of decisions made in real situations.
Example: A manager may theoretically understand conflict management, but if they continue to avoid confrontations in practice, the training has not achieved its goal.
The Mistake: Measuring Only Immediate Knowledge Retention
Training doesn’t end with the last session. Many companies measure only immediate learning outcomes without verifying whether the skills are actually applied over time.
What to Do
- Schedule follow-ups at 30, 60, and 90 days after training.
- Encourage managers to observe and reinforce best practices.
- Offer refresher sessions to reinforce learning.
Moving Forward
Training evaluation should measure skill application and adjust training programs for tangible impact.
Do you want training evaluations that deliver real results? With VTS Perform, you can precisely analyze training effectiveness and ensure that acquired skills are truly applied in the workplace.
Let’s discuss your needs and explore how to enhance the impact of your training programs. Schedule your demo here !