Developing Training Activities and Materials

© Copyright Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC.

Sections of This Topic Include

• Preparation for Developing Your Training Activities and Materials
• Key Considerations to Develop Your Training Activities and Materials
• Critical Consideration — Selecting a Trainer
• Many Possible Types of Training Activities
• Additional Resources to Develop Your Training Activities and Materials

Also consider
Related Library Topics

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to Developing Training Activities and
Materials

In addition to the articles on this current page, also see the following blogs that have posts related to Developing Training Activities and Materials. Scan down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also see the section “Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click on “next” near the bottom of a post in the blog. The blog also links to numerous free related resources.

• Library’s Career Management Blog
• Library’s Human Resources Blog
• Library’s Leadership Blog
• Library’s Supervision Blog
• Library’s Training and Development Blog

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Preparation for Developing Your Training Activities and Materials

The design phase and the development phase of systematic training planning often overlap. During the design phase or development phase, the various training activities must be selected, for example, to be instructor-led, computer-based, Web-based, self-directed, interactive or multi-media.

The development phase of systematic training often includes selecting the most appropriate media and materials, for example, developing audio-visuals, graphics, manuals, preparing any needed facilities, and piloting course content to ensure it is understandable.

Often the design and development phases are highly integrated. The design of the training is often piloted, or initially tested, during the development phase to ensure the content is understandable and applicable to the learners.

• Before progressing through the guidelines in this topic, the reader would benefit from first reviewing the information about formal and systematic training, especially the ADDIE model, at Formal Training Processes — Instructional Systems Design (ISD) and ADDIE.
• Then scan the contents of the second phase of the ADDIE model of systematic planning of training, Designing Training Plans and Learning Objectives. (This development phase is the third phase of the ADDIE model.)
• Also, note that there is a document, Complete Guidelines to Design Your Training Plan, that condenses the guidelines from the various topics about training plans to guide you to develop a training plan. That document also provides a Framework to Design Your Training Plan that you can use to document the various aspects of your plan.

Key Considerations to Develop Your Activities and Materials

What is the Immediacy to Achieve the New Learning?

The more immediate the need to achieve the learning, the more important that the activities and materials be understandable and readily accessible to the learners. In these situations, it often is warranted to use an expert who can promptly design, develop and deliver the training plan, activities and materials.

Also, it’s very useful if the activities and materials can be based on activities already underway in the workplace so that learners do not have to take time away from work, but rather can promptly affect their work even as they participate in the learning program.

What Are the Learners’ Preferences and Learning Styles?

One of the biggest mistakes in designing training plans is to choose activities and materials that do not match the preferences and styles of the learners. Probably the most common example is putting adults through extended hours of lecture. Those activities usually lull adults into a stupor, rather than sustaining sufficient interest and engagement to accomplish sustained learning among the adults.

One of the best ways to discern the most appropriate styles of activities is to have learners undertake a learning styles inventory or at least to consider the various styles that seem common to the types of learners who will be in the training program.

How Much Time Can Learners Realistically Apply to the Learning Activities?

This has become one of the most important considerations when designing and developing training plans. Workplaces seem increasingly busy as people try to do more with less. It’s often very difficult for them to take time away from the office. The more the training activities can accommodate the busy schedules of learners, the better — and the more likely that learners will actually attend the training sessions. It’s often better to design frequent and short trainings sessions than fewer, extended sessions.

Can the Learners Readily Access the Activities and Materials? Do They Build On Current Work Activities?

One of the biggest advantages of compute- and Web-based activities is that learners can access them from anywhere, which greatly decreases the cost of training and development activities. Thus, the rapid expansion of technology-based activities in trainings. (See Online Learning.) One of the best ways to ensure that training activities are highly accessible is to build them into the activities already underway in the workplace.

How Much Money is Available to Obtain and Develop the Resources?

It’s common that curriculum designers develop wonderful training programs that seem guaranteed to achieve the goals of the program, but after further review, are clearly so expensive that the program is prohibitive or not realistic. Therefore, it’s important, even before the initial needs assessments are done, to get some sense of the availability of funding to obtain and develop resources. Technology-based and on-the-job-based activities often are much less expensive than hiring subject matter experts. However, those experts are especially useful if the training is to convey highly specialized or technical content.

Will the Activities Achieve the Learning Objectives?

Now we get to the most important consideration. Even if the activities are well-suited to the learners, readily accessible and well-funded, will they together really achieve the overall goals of the training program? Here again is where it’s useful to consult an expert or to reference best practices or competencies in the particular areas being trained.

How Will the Activities and Materials Be Field-Tested?

It’s very important to explain the activities to a few of the learners and to have them examine the materials. They are best suited to judge if the activities and materials are truly understandable and suited to the needs and styles of the learners. Listen to their advice, and modify the activities and materials
accordingly.

Critical Consideration — Selecting a Trainer

Perhaps the most important ingredient of any training program is the trainer (unless the program is entirely self-directed). Today’s learners are very sensitive to how well a trainer engages them by being enthusiastic about the material, cultivating interaction among the learners, and really listening to — and respecting — them.

Is the Potential Trainer Well-Suited to the Nature of the Learners?

The most important consideration when selecting a trainer is if they are well suited to the training design required to meet the learning goals. For example, if learners prefer computer-based instruction, they’ll benefit from a trainer who understands online training technologies. If learners prefers ongoing coaching, they’ll benefit from a trainer who is readily accessible to the employee for ongoing advice and guidance. If learners struggle with communication skills, they’ll benefit from a trainer who can integrate remedial communications strategies with other training methods.

Collaborate With Other Departments or Groups Doing Similar Training?

Consider whether other supervisors or companies have employees who need similar training. If so, one might combine your needs and funding to get a trainer to conduct in-house training.

Use Former Employees as Trainers?

Consider using an ex-employee who has the skills needed by the learner. Of course, this option depends on whether the ex-employee left the organization under good terms and remains in good standing with the organization.

Use Subject-Matter Experts as Trainers

There’s a wise saying that “Telling ain’t training.” Just because someone has strong knowledge of the subject matter does not mean that he or she will be a good trainer. If you are considering hiring a consultant to conduct the training then consider issuing a Request for Proposal which asks potential trainers for the following information.

• A written proposal for how they would carry out training, evaluation methods, cost, etc.
• The goals preferred from the training, when to have training and what evaluation results should occur
• Request that trainers remain available for follow-up consultation if desired
• Ask the trainer what methods they use to ensure their consultation projects are successful with clients
• Ask for at least three references
• Consider having the employee briefly meet with the consultant to discuss training needs and establish a rapport

See the extensive advice and the sample forms for a request for proposals, a proposal from consultants and a consultation plan.

Resort to Self-directed Learning?

If a suitable outside consultant or training program cannot be found, consider self-directed learning. Self-directed is accomplished primarily by the learner who leads or takes a strong role in determining learning goals, how they will be accomplished and how learning will be verified. Self-directed learning can be used where employees are highly motivated and self-reliant. Learning can be verified with a variety of means, e.g.,

1. Written reports describing what learning activities have occurred and what results were produced
2. Observation of the employee by a supervisor or other skilled expert equipped to assess progress of the employee
3. A portfolio or collection of results showing the employees’ improvement over time
4. A presentation from the employee that includes description of learning activities and a display of results, etc.

Many Possible Types of Training Activities

There seems an increasing amount of different activities that can be considered when customizing activities to the goals of a training program and to the nature and needs of the learners. Consider Various Ideas for Learning Activities.

Additional Resources to Develop Your Training Activities and Materials

• Overview of Development Phase
• Selecting the Right Trainer
• A Simple Training Plan: Five No Cost Solutions
• Designing Training for Creative Minds
• Why Small Regional Training Conferences Are Most Effective
• “Lean, Mean, Learning Machines” – The New Age of Training

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to this Topic

In addition to the articles on this current page, also see the following blogs that have posts related to this topic. Scan down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also see the section “Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click on “next” near the bottom of a post in the blog. The blog also links to numerous free related resources.

• Library’s Career Management Blog
• Library’s Human Resources Blog
• Library’s Leadership Blog
• Library’s Supervision Blog
• Library’s Training and Development Blog

Go to main Training and Development page.

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For the Category of Training and Development:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

• Related Library Topics
• Recommended Books

Designing Training Plans and Learning Objectives

© Copyright Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC.

Sections of This Topic Include

• Preparation for Designing Your Training Plan
• Design Your Learning Objectives
• Analyze Your Learning Objectives for Relevance, Alignment, Sequence and Testability
• Designing Training Rooms (Classrooms)
• Additional Information About Designing Training
• Various Ideas for Ways to Learn (including distance and online learning)

Also consider
Related Library Topics

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to Designing Training and Development Plans

In addition to the articles on this current page, also see the following blogs that have posts related to Designing Training and Development Plans. Scan down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also see the section “Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click on “next” near the bottom of a post in the blog. The blog also links to numerous free related resources.

• Library’s Career Management Blog
• Library’s Human Resources Blog
• Library’s Leadership Blog
• Library’s Supervision Blog
• Library’s Training and Development Blog

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Preparation for Designing Your Training Plan

The purpose of the design phase is to identify the learning objectives that together will achieve the overall goals identified during the needs assessment phase of systematic training design. You will also identify the learning activities (or methods) you’ll need to conduct to achieve your learning objectives and overall training goals.

• Before progressing through the guidelines in this topic, the reader would benefit from first reviewing the information about formal and systematic training, especially the ADDIE model, at Formal Training Processes — Instructional Systems Design (ISD) and ADDIE.
• Then scan the contents of the first phase of the ADDIE model systematic planning of training, Training Needs Assessment and Analysis: Identifying Training Goals. (This design phase is the second phase of the ADDIE model.)
• Also, note that there is a document, Complete Guidelines to Design Your Training Plan, that condenses the guidelines from the various topics about training plans to guide you to develop a training plan. That document also provides a Framework to Design Your Training Plan that you can use to document the various aspects of your plan.

Design Your Learning Objectives

Learning objectives specify the new knowledge, skills and abilities that a learner should accomplish from undertaking a learning experience, such as a course, webinar, self-study or group activity. Achievement of all of the learning objectives should result in accomplishing all of the overall training goals of the training and development experience(s).

Understand the Alignment, Dimensions and Terms in Learning Objectives

The following table depicts how learning objectives are associated with the training goals (identified during the needs assessment phase), learning methods/activities, evidence of learning and evaluation activities.

Examples to Convey Nature of Well-Written Learning Objectives

To help learners understand how to design learning objectives, the following examples are offered to convey the nature of learning objectives. The examples are not meant to be offered as examples to be adopted word-for-word as learning objectives. Trainers and/or learners should design their own learning objectives to meet their overall training goals and to match their preferred strategies for learning. The topic of the learning objective is included in bolding and italics. Learning objectives are numbered directly below.

Topic: Communication

1. explain four basic principles of communication (verbal and non-verbal) and active, empathetic listening.
2. outline four barriers and bridges to communication
3. list at least four ways communication skills which encourage staff involvement will help crate a positive work environment.

Topic: Mentoring

1. explain basic job duties and standards from job description to staff
2. outline at least five specific learning goals with staff by comparing performance with job duties
3. develop a yearly plan with staff to accomplish learning needs, supervision plan and rewards

Topic: Effective coaching

1. state at least three job expectations for staff that focusing on meeting resident’s needs
2. plan five strategies to give frequent verbal and non- verbal encouragement and rewards
3. identify specific performance concerns with staff asking for possible solutions and decide together  methods of measuring successful outcomes

Topic : Cultural Diversity

1. plan workable strategies for incorporating new staff into the work team
2. select their own means to exhibit an appreciation of how values and perceptions affect communication
3. make available for staff a series of learning opportunities for increased world knowledge and cultural information

Topic: Time Management

1. list job expectations of staff
2. provide tools to use in prioritizing tasks of resident care
3. create with staff a tentative schedule for cares based on these facts

Topic: Conflict resolution

1. explain at least five basic principles of empathetic communication to handle conflict
2. develop policy that gives current front-line leaders the permission and expectation to work with other staff on conflict resolution
3. develop policy for progressive discipline and explain how this works to current front line leaders

Topic: Stress Management

1. list and recognize major symptoms and behaviors related to too much stress
2. outline three to five stress management strategies
3. list quick strategies staff can use during work shift as well as at home to reduce stress level
4. educate staff about basic guidelines to build support work teams

Topic: Communication skills/Cultural Approaches

1. teach each other and staff about different cultural approaches and living styles
2. identify three steps to foster a climate where differences in cultures are reviewed as positive and additive
3. learn at least three methods of problem solving when cultural differences and practices interfere with necessary resident care.

Topic: Job expectation/Coordination including authority and responsibility

1. learn three approaches to problem solving which includes identification of the underlying problem
2. make staff assignments based on input from staff
3. evaluate approaches and make corrections based on outcomes

Topic: Team work/Positive work environment/Positive Rewards

1. identify characteristics of an effective team
2. describe four skills leaders can use to foster commitment and collaboration
3. develop at least five guidelines to treating staff with respect and helping staff learn from each other

Topic: Goal Setting/Performance Reviews

1. develop guidelines to set specific goals with staff and help them plan to meet these goals
2. develop policy that encourages staff to seek education goals through career ladders
3. develop guidelines for effective observation and feedback toward goal achievement (by staff)

Topic: Constructive Criticism/Consequences

1. establish clear standards of behavior, and that recognize and reward staff when they meet the standards
2. list ways to approach staff whose performance is a concern (with a win-win frame of mind)
3. describe how learning empathetic communication will help front line leaders handle conflict/constructive communication and help plan for solution

Analyze Your Learning Objectives for Relevance, Alignment, Sequence and Testability

1. What Sequence Should the Objectives Be Achieved?

Usually, learning builds on learning. It may be useful to learn certain areas of knowledge and skills before learning new areas.

2. Will the Objectives Achieve the Overall Training Goal(s)?

Now you’re read to write down your learning objectives in the Framework to Design Your Training Plan.

3. What Are the Best Learning Activities to Achieve the Objectives?

Do the methods match the learners’ particular learning styles, for example, reading, doing or listening? Do the methods stretch their styles, too? Are the methods readily accessible? Do the methods take advantage of real-life learning opportunities, for example, use on-the-job training opportunities, real-life problems that occur at work, use projects and programs at work? Note that learning activities do always match learning objectives on a one-for-one basis. You might benefit from the following links, Some Typical Ways of Learning, Some New Ways of Learning in the Workplace and Learning Style Inventory.)

4. Do the Activities Include Ongoing Reflections About Learning?

The learners will benefit from regularly taking time to stand back and inquire about what is going on in the training, what are they learning and what, if anything, should be changed. Skills in reflection are critical for ongoing learning in life and work. Consider using a private learning journal. Now you’re read to write down the learning activities in the Framework to Design Your Training Plan.

5. What Results, or Evidence of Learning, Will Be Produced?

For ideas about what results to design into your plan, see Samples of Learner’s Results as Means to Verify Learning. Now you’re ready to write down your evidence of learning in the Framework to Design Your Training Plan.

6. Who Will Verify That Each of the Learning Objectives Was Reached?

Ideally, the learning is evaluated by someone who has strong expertise in the areas of knowledge and skills required to achieve the training goals. Now you’re ready to write down your evaluator in the Framework to Design Your Training Plan.

7. What Costs Will Be Associated With Developing and Implementing Your Plan?

Think about facilities, technologies, personnel, special expertise, etc. You may want to update the “Budget” section in the Framework to Design Your Training Plan.

8. How Will Learners’ Manage Time and Stress During the Learning?

Professional development inherently includes the need for self-development, as well. Therefore, you might consider information in the sections:
Stress Management | Time Management | Work-Life Balance | Self-Confidence | Emotional Intelligence | Maintaining a Positive Attitude

Designing Training Rooms (Classrooms)

• Theater-Style
• Room Setup
• Seating Calculation Chart
• Free answers to your design questions
• 6 Key Considerations for Effective Training Room Space
• Training Facility

Additional Information About Designing Training Plans

• Comprehensive overview of training design
• Instructional Design Models & Theories
• How to Design Effective Training Plans
• Designing Training for Creative Minds

Various Ideas for Ways to Learn

The following list of methods is really a mix of modes, types and learning aids from which the learner might draw many ideas for learning.

• Various (and a Mix of) Ways and Methods of Learning

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to This Topic

In addition to the articles on this current page, also see the following blogs that have posts related to this topic. Scan down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also see the section “Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click on “next” near the bottom of a post in the blog. The blog also links to numerous free related resources.

• Library’s Career Management Blog
• Library’s Human Resources Blog
• Library’s Leadership Blog
• Library’s Supervision Blog
• Library’s Training and Development Blog

Go to main Training and Development page.

---

For the Category of Training and Development:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

• Related Library Topics
• Recommended Books

Evaluating Training and Results (ROI of Training)

© Copyright Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC.

Sections of This Topic Include

• Preparation for Evaluating Training Activities and Results
• Perspective on Evaluating Training
• Suggestions for Evaluating Training
• One Approach to Calculate Return on Investment (ROI) of Training
• Additional Resources to Guide Evaluation of Your Training

Also consider
Related Library Topics

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to Evaluating Training and Result (ROI)

In addition to the articles on this current page, also see the following blogs that have posts related to Evaluating Training and Results (ROI). Scan down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also see the section “Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click on “next” near the bottom of a post in the blog. The blog also links to numerous free related resources.

• Library’s Career Management Blog
• Library’s Human Resources Blog
• Library’s Leadership Blog
• Library’s Supervision Blog
• Library’s Training and Development Blog

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Preparation for Evaluating Training Activities and Results

The last phase of the ADDIE model of instructional design, or systematic training, is evaluation. However, the evaluation really should have started even during the previous phase — the implementation phase — because the evaluation is of both the activities of the trainer as they are being implemented and of the results of the training as it nears an end or is finished. Evaluation includes getting ongoing feedback, e.g., from the learner, trainer and learner’s supervisor, to improve the quality of the training and identify if the learner achieved the goals of the training.

• Before progressing through the guidelines in this topic, the reader would benefit from first reviewing the information about formal and systematic training, especially the ADDIE model, at Formal Training Processes — Instructional Systems Design (ISD) and ADDIE.
• Then scan the contents of the fourth phase of the ADDIE model systematic planning of training, Implementing Your Training Plan. (This evaluation phase is the fifth phase of the ADDIE model.)
• Also, note that there is a document, Complete Guidelines to Design Your Training Plan, that condenses the guidelines from the various topics about training plans to guide you to develop a training plan. That document also provides a Framework to Design Your Training Plan that you can use to document the various aspects of your plan

Perspective on Evaluating Training

Evaluation is often looked at from four different levels (the “Kirkpatrick levels”) listed below. Note that the farther down the list, the more valid the evaluation.

1. Reaction – What does the learner feel about the training?
2. Learning – What facts, knowledge, etc., did the learner gain?
3. Behaviors – What skills did the learner develop, that is, what new information is the learner using on the job?
4. Results or effectiveness – What results occurred, that is, did the learner apply the new skills to the necessary tasks in the organization and, if so, what results were achieved?

Although level 4, evaluating results and effectiveness, is the most desired result from training, it’s usually the most difficult to accomplish. Evaluating effectiveness often involves the use of key performance measures — measures you can see, e.g., faster and more reliable output from the machine after the operator has been trained, higher ratings on employees’ job satisfaction questionnaires from the trained supervisor, etc. This is where following sound principles of performance management is of great benefit.

• Stephanie Mooshegian on Making the Most Out of Kirkpatrick’s Level 1 Measurement in the Classroom

Suggestions for Evaluating Training

Typically, evaluators look for validity, accuracy and reliability in their evaluations. However, these goals may require more time, people and money than the organization has. Evaluators are also looking for evaluation approaches that are practical and relevant.

Training and development activities can be evaluated before, during and after the activities. Consider the following very basic suggestions:

Before the Implementation Phase

• Will the selected training and development methods really result in the employee’s learning the knowledge and skills needed to perform the task or carry out the role? Have other employee’s used the methods and been successful?
• Consider applying the methods to a highly skilled employee. Ask the employee of their impressions of the methods.
• Do the methods conform to the employee’s preferences and learning styles? Have the employee briefly review the methods, e.g., documentation, overheads, etc. Does the employee experience any difficulties understanding the methods?

During Implementation of Training

• Ask the employee how they’re doing. Do they understand what’s being said?
• Periodically conduct a short test, e.g., have the employee explain the main points of what was just described to him, e.g., in the lecture.
• Is the employee enthusiastically taking part in the activities? Is he or she coming late and leaving early. It’s surprising how often learners will leave a course or workshop and immediately complain that it was a complete waste of their time. Ask the employee to rate the activities from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating. If the employee gives a rating of anything less than 5, have the employee describe what could be done to get a 5.

After Completion of the Training

• Give him or her a test before and after the training and development, and compare the results?
• Interview him or her before and after, and compare results?
• Watch him or her perform the task or conduct the role?
• Assign an expert evaluator from inside or outside the organization to evaluate the learner’s knowledge and skills?

One Approach to Calculate Return On Investment (ROI)

(This section was written by Leigh Dudley. The section mentions HRD — activities of human resource development — but the guidelines are as applicable to training and development.)

The calculation of ROI in [training and development] or HRD begins with the basic model, where sequential steps simplify a potentially complicated process. The ROI process model provides a systematic approach to ROI calculations.

The step-by-step approach keeps the process manageable so that users can tackle one issue at a time. The model also emphasizes that this is a logical process that flows from one step to another. ROI calculation to another provides consistency, understanding, and credibility. Each step of the model is briefly described below.

Collecting Post-Program Data

Data collection is central to the ROI process and is the starting point of the ROI process. Although the ROI analysis is (or should be) planned early in the training and development cycle, the actual ROI calculation begins with data collection. (Additional information on planning for the ROI analysis is presented later under “Essential Planning Steps).

The HRD staff should collect both hard data (representing output, quality, cost, and time) and soft data (including work habits, work climate, and attitudes). Collect Level 4 data using a variety of the methods as follows:

• Follow-up Questionnaires – Administer follow-up questionnaires to uncover specific applications of training. Participants provide responses to a variety of types of open-ended and forced response questions.
• Use questionnaires to capture both Level 3 and Level 4 data. The example below shows a series of level 4 impact questions contained in a follow-up questionnaire for evaluating an automotive manufacturer’s sales training program in Europe, with appropriate responses. HRD practitioners can use the data in an ROI analysis
• Program Assignments – Program assignments are useful for simple, short-term projects. Participants complete the assignment on the job, using the skills or knowledge learned in the program. Report completed assignments as evaluation information, which often contains Level 3/Level 4 data. Convert Level 4 data to monetary values and compare the data to cost to develop the ROI
• Action Plans – Developed in training and development programs, action plans on the job should be implemented after the program is completed. A follow-up of the plans provides evaluation information. Level 3/Level 4 data are collected with action plans, and the HRD staff can develop the ROI from the Level 4 data.
• Performance Contracts – Developed prior to conducting the program and when the participant, the participant’s supervisor, and the instructor all agree on planned specific out-comes from the training, performance contracts outline how the program will be implemented. Performance contracts usually collect both Level 3/and Level 4 data and are designed and analyzed in the same way as action plans.
• Performance Monitoring – As the most beneficial method to collect Level 4 data, performance monitoring is useful when HRD personnel examine various business performance records and operational data for improvement.

The important challenge in this step is to select the data collection method or methods that are appropriate for both the setting and the specific program and the time and budget constraints.

Isolating the Effects of Training

Isolating the effects of training is an often overlooked issue in evaluations. In this step of the ROI process, explore specific techniques to determine the amount of output performance directly related to the program. This step is essential because many factors influence performance data after training. The specific techniques of this step will pinpoint the amount of improvement directly related to the program, increasing the accuracy and credibility of the ROI calculation. Collectively, the following techniques provide a comprehensive set of tools to tackle the important and critical issue of isolating the effects of training.

• Control Group – use a control group arrangement to isolate training impact. With this technique, one group receives training while another similar, group does not receive training. The difference in the performance of the two groups is attributed to the training program. When properly set up and implemented, control group arrangement is the most effective way to isolate the effects of training.
• Impact Estimates – When the previous approach is not feasible, estimating the impact of training on the output variables is another approach and can be accomplished on the following 4 levels.
• Participants – estimate the amount of improvement related to training. In this approach, provide participants with the total amount of improvement, on a pre- and post-program basis, and ask them to indicate the percent of the improvement that is actually related to the training program.
• Supervisors – of participants estimate the impact of training on the output variables. Present supervisors with the total amount of improvement, and ask them to indicate the percent related to training.
• Senior Managers – estimate the impact of training by providing an estimate or adjustment to reflect the portion of the improvement related to the training program. While perhaps inaccurate, having senior management involved in this process develops ownership of the value and buy-in process.
• Experts –estimate the impact of training on the performance variable. Because these estimates are based on previous experience, experts must be familiar with the type of training and the specific situation.

Customers sometimes provide input on the extent to which training has influenced their decision to use a product or service. Although this approach has limited applications, it can be quite useful in customer service and sales training.

Converting Data to Monetary Values

A number of techniques are available to convert data to monetary values; the selection depends on the type of data and the situation.

• Convert output data to profit contribution or cost savings. With this technique, output increases are converted to monetary value based on their unit contribution to profit or the unit of cost reduction. These values are readily available in most organizations and are seen as generally accepted standard values.
• Calculate the cost of quality, and covert quality improvements directly to cost savings. This standard value is available in many organizations for the most common quality measures (such as rejects, rework, and scrap).
• Use the participants’ wages and employee benefits as the value for time in programs where employee time is saved. Because a variety of programs focus on improving the time required to complete projects, processes, or daily activities, the value of time becomes an important and necessary issue. The use of total compensation per hour provides a conservative estimate for the
  value of time.
• Use historical costs when they are available for a specific variable. In this case, use organizational cost data to establish the specific value of an improvement.
• Use internal and external experts, when available, to estimate a value for an improvement. In this situation, the credibility of the estimate hinges on the expertise and reputation of the individual.
• Use external databases, when available, to estimate the value or cost of data items. Research, government, and industry databases can provide important for these values. The difficulty lies in finding a specific database related to the situation.
• Ask participants to estimate the value of the data item. For this approach to be effective, participants must understand the process and be capable of providing a value for the improvement.
• Require supervisors and managers to provide estimates when they are willing and capable of assigning values to the improvement. This approach is especially useful when participants are not fully capable of providing this input or in situations where supervisors or managers need to confirm or adjust the participant’s estimate.

Converting data to monetary value is very important in the ROI model and is absolutely necessary to determine the monetary benefits from a training program. The process is challenging, particularly with the conversion of soft data, but can be methodically accomplished using one or more of the above techniques.

Tabulating Program Costs

The other part of the equation in a cost/benefit analysis is the cost of the program. Tabulating the costs involves monitoring or developing all of the related costs of the program targeted for the ROI calculation. Include the following items among the cost components.

• Cost to design and develop the program, possibly prorated over the expected life of the program
• Cost of all program materials provided to each participant
• Cost for the instructor/facilitator, including preparation time as well as delivery time.
• Cost of the facilities for the training program.
• Cost of travel, lodging and meals for the participants, if applicable.
• Salaries, plus employee benefits of the training function, allocated in some convenient way.

In addition, specific cost related to the needs assessment and evaluation should be included, if appropriate. The conservative approach is to include all of these costs so that the total is fully loaded.

Calculating the ROI

Calculate the ROI using the program benefits and costs. The BCR is the program benefits divided by costs:

• BCR = program benefits / program costs
• (Sometimes this ratio is stated as a cost/benefit ratio, although the formula is the same as BCR).

The net benefits are the program benefits minus the costs:

• Net benefits = program benefits – program costs

The ROI uses the net benefits divided by programs costs:

• ROI (%) = net benefits / program costs x 100

Use the same basic formula in evaluating other investments where the ROI is traditionally reported as earnings divided by investment. The ROI from some training programs is high. For example, in sales training, supervisory training, and managerial training, the ROI can be quite large, frequently over 100 percent, while ROI value for technical and operator training may be lower.

Additional Resources to Guide Evaluation of Your Training

• The Evaluation of Training
• Evaluating Training: There is no “Cookbook” Approach
• Evaluating Training and Technical Assistance
• Finding the Bottom-Line Payoff for Training
• Stakeholder Approach to Evaluating Training
• Calculating ROI
• Ensuring Behavior Change Occurs From Your Training Program
• Instruments to Measure Post Training Effectiveness
• ROA Formula / Return on Assets Calculation
• Determining Training ROI
• Survey on Employer-Provided Formal Training Programs
• Mary Talbut on Testing What You Teach
• Shonta Smith on Student Ratings of Instruction: Evaluating the Professor
• Camesha Hill-Carter on Looking at Assessment in a Different Light
• Training Assessments: Personality Counts
• Donald L Kirkpatrick’s training evaluation model – the four levels of learning evaluation
• Training Brainstorm: Evaluating Trainers
• Is Lecture Learning?
• Seven Steps To Guarantee Great Training Results
• Four Reasons for a Needs Assessment Survey Plus Two
• 5 Ways to Assess Training Results
• Addressing the Dreams–Making Training More Effective
• On Evaluating Standardized Tests

Evaluating Online Learning

• Evaluating Online Learning
• What Are the Signs of a High-Quality Online Course?

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to This Topic

In addition to the articles on this current page, also see the following blogs that have posts related to this topic. Scan down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also see the section “Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click on “next” near the bottom of a post in the blog. The blog also links to numerous free related resources.

• Library’s Career Management Blog
• Library’s Human Resources Blog
• Library’s Leadership Blog
• Library’s Supervision Blog
• Library’s Training and Development Blog

Go to main Training and Development page.

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For the Category of Training and Development:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

• Related Library Topics
• Recommended Books

Tips and Tools for Trainers and Teachers

© Copyright Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC.

This topic is part of the overall topic of Training and Development (Learning and Development) in the Library.

Sections of This Topic Include

• Role of Trainers and Teachers
• Tips for Trainers and Teachers
• Careers in Training
• Additional Perspectives on Tips and Tools for Trainers and Teachers

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to Training and Teaching

In addition to the articles on this current page, also see the following blogs that have posts related to Tools for Training and Teaching. Scan down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also see the section “Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click on “next” near the bottom of a post in the blog. The blog also links to numerous free related resources.

• Library’s Career Management Blog
• Library’s Human Resources Blog
• Library’s Leadership Blog
• Library’s Supervision Blog
• Library’s Training and Development Blog

Also consider
Related Library Topics

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Role of Trainers and Teachers

• How to Become a Corporate Trainer
• How to Become a Successful Corporate Trainer
• How to Know When to Facilitate, Train or Coach
• What Does a Corporate Trainer Do?
• Is There a Future for Corporate Trainers?
• What’s the Difference Between Learning and Training?
• Tools for Running a Training Program
• The Difference Between a Good Trainer and a Great Trainer
• The Best Performance Enhancer…
• When Did a “Warm and Fuzzy” Training Function Become a Strategically Aligned Business Unit?
• Trainer as Leader: the Human Factor
• Character Training
• Trainers: Moderate This! Facilitate That!

Tips for Trainers and Teachers

Recommended Articles

• Delivering Training
• Thoughts on Training: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly
• Training-Pleasant Surprise or Nightmare?

Additional Articles

• “Dress Right! Dress!” for Successful Training
• Don’t Assume in Training Workshops
• Training to Read Minds
• Training Sessions and Seminars: Who Should Do Most of the Talking?
• Training to Learning — The Impossible Shift
• Size Does Matter — When It Comes to Audience
• Do We Train, or Do We Guide?
• Re-Thinking HR-based Training Organizations: A Break from Tradition?
• Delivering Training and Technical Assistance
• Delivering Training
• Are Your Leaders Good Trainers?
• How to Make Training “An Affair to Remember”
• Defining Managers and Leaders — Training for All
• Six Steps to Training Excellence
• A Recipe for Training and Coaching Success
• The Best Way to Train Others or The Perfect Training Solution
• Tips and Tricks of an Effective Trainer
• Trainers: Acting or Faking It
• Training in The Art of Listening
• ABCs of Presenting-a Trainer Staple
• What Bob the Builder Taught Me About Training
• Macabre Humor: Strange but True Stories for Trainers
• Training Stereotypes for Success
• Training: Tricks or Treats?
• First: How to Train People to Communicate Well, Not to Act
• The Value of How-To Versus Commentary in Training
• How to Make Them Say, “I learned something today.”
• Training to Read Minds on a Cruise Ship
• Why Are Presidential Debates Useful to Trainers
• https://staging.management.org/blogs/training-and-development/2011/04/03/thoughts-on-training-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly/
• Training-Pleasant Surprise or Nightmare?

Careers in Training

• Careers in Training
• Members talk back: What will training look like in the future?
• What’s the Difference Between Learning and Training
• What’s the Difference Between Training and Teaching?
• From Good Teachers to Good Teaching
• Training Blogs – Using the Web to Train the World

Additional Perspectives on Tips and Tools for Trainers and Teachers

• Members talk back: What will training look like in the future?
• Purposeful Stage Movement for Trainers, Speakers, Actors
• Was the Guy Who Won the Client — Audition Better than You?
• Power of Gazing in Training, Love and Other Matters
• What Would a Cave Man DO? — How We Know What We Know About Training
• Why Isn’t All Training Like Training for Your Black Belt?
• Wise Guy Best Practices
• Courtroom Drama — Training Lawyers to Act
• Training-Pleasant Surprise or Nightmare?
• Learner-Centered Training Part I
• Learner-Centered Training Part 2
• Learner-Centered Training Part 3
• Learner-Centered Training Part 4
• The Most Powerful Trainer in Your Organization-Culture
• 5 Ways to Make Training Conferences Rock!
• Training by Toastmasters?
• A Political Side to the Classroom — Literally
• A Perspective on Sociological-Economic Training and Education; or Success Has No Prescription
• The Cave Man Approach to Training: Basic Survival with a Smile
• Tempting Cultural Training–It’s Good For You

Go to main Training and Development page.

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For the Category of Training and Development:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

• Related Library Topics
• Recommended Books

How To Start a Training Business

© Copyright Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC.

This topic assumes that you already have some expertise in training and are thinking about starting a business to be a professional trainer. The guidelines in this topic are focused on helping you to start a new organization, expand a current organization, or start a new service. If you do not yet have expertise in training, you should review much of the contents of the topic Training and Development, and then certainly practice training in a variety of venues, including with evaluation from other trainers and participants in your trainings.

Also consider
Related Library Topics

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to Starting a Training Business

In addition to the articles on this current page, also see the following blogs that have posts related to Starting a Training Business. Scan down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also see the section “Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click on “next” near the bottom of a post in the blog. The blog also links to numerous free related resources.

• Library’s Career Management Blog
• Library’s Human Resources Blog
• Library’s Leadership Blog
• Library’s Supervision Blog
• Library’s Training and Development Blog

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Are You Really an Entrepreneur?

• Are You Personally Ready to Start a New Venture?

Starting a New Organization?

• Should You Start a For-Profit or a Nonprofit?
• Starting a For-Profit Organization
• Starring a Nonprofit Organization

Planning Your New Organization

• Business Planning

Deciding the Legal Structure of Your New Organization

• U.S. Enterprise Law — Forming Organizations

Or Expanding a Current Organization?

• Business Development

Or Starting a New Product or Service?

• Product Development

Marketing Your New Organization, Product or Service

• 10 Tried and True Tactics for Getting Your First Coaching Client
• Social Networking
• Authentic Marketing vs. Self-Promotion

Getting and Keeping Clients

• Sales
• Customer Service
• Customer Satisfaction
• Close More Business (Get More Clients)

Getting Paid

• How to Get Paid What You’re Worth
• What To Do When Your Client Doesn’t Pay

Dealing With Clients

• Types of Clients (to answer critical question: “who is current client?”)
• How to Fire Bad Clients
• Defining Success Between Consultants and Clients

When to Bail from a Project

• When to Bail from a Consulting Project

Minimizing Risk

• Minimize Consulting Liabilities and Risk
• Risk Management

Staying Centered as a Trainer

• Personal Wellness
• Stress Management
• Time Management
• Work-Life Balance

Go to main Training and Development page.

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For the Category of Training and Development:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

• Related Library Topics
• Recommended Books

Learning and Development for Popular Education and Social Change

© Copyright Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC.

Popular and folk education supports social change for social justice by enhancing people’s consciousness about their roles, helping them cultivate vision for change and helping them identify strategies to accomplish change. Two of the leading innovators are Paulo Freire (who is responsible for the literacy training of probably more people than anyone else in the world) and Myles Horton (who started the Highlander Folk School, attended by Rosa Parks and supported by Martin Luther King, Andrew Young, etc.)

• Paulo Freire
• Highlander Research and Education Center
• Informal education homepage
• Also see “Organizing Communities”
• Related Library Topics

Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to This Topic

In addition to the articles on this current page, also see the following blogs that have posts related to this topic. Scan down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also see the section “Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click on “next” near the bottom of a post in the blog. The blog also links to numerous free related resources.

• Library’s Career Management Blog
• Library’s Human Resources Blog
• Library’s Leadership Blog
• Library’s Supervision Blog
• Library’s Training and Development Blog

Go to main Training and Development page.

---

For the Category of Training and Development:

To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.

Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.

• Related Library Topics
• Recommended Books