Page 402 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 10 11/20/02 1:11 PM Page 391
Complete an Evaluation Form Celebrating Successes 391
Many trainers do not like or use evaluation forms at the end of programs. They call these
“smile face” sheets because some formats actually have scales for rating various elements
of the session with small smile face graphics on them. As you read about interim reviews
early in this book, I pass out evaluations at the beginning of a session. Then, as part of
the interim reviews conducted during the program, I have participants write general
comments about things they like and dislike about the session on the evaluations. At
the very end of the day, I ask them to add final thoughts and rate the elements of the
program by circling points on rating scales. This process typically gives me formal com-
ments and the “smile face” ratings, which are usually the only thing received when you
wait until the end of a session to pass out the forms.

Tell of Follow-Up Steps

In addition to the end of session evaluation that learners complete for you, explain that
you will be doing follow-up with them (assuming that you will) in about 30 days to see
how things are going. Part of this follow-up might be a feedback form sent to them and
to their supervisor and customers(s) (see Figures 10-2 and 10-3). Getting on the job
feedback reinforces the program content because it causes learners to review material
covered in order to respond on the questionnaire. It also gets feedback from others as
to how well the learner is applying what was learned.

Bring Closure to the Learning

Depending on the length of your session, hold some type of celebration of the learn-
ing. Make the event joyous, upbeat, and festive in order to end on a positive note.
You can use music, videos, party favors, or whatever you like to accomplish such an
atmosphere.

BRIGHT I DEA

Muppet Video
here is a series of wonderful short video vignettes with humorous short cartoon-
Ttype scenarios for use to introduce a break and at the end of a session. There
is one with the Jim Henson Muppets, titled The Sky’s the Limit, which I have used
effectively for years. Participants love it and it says perfectly that they can use what
they have learned to reach their goals (see Videos in the Resources for Trainers in
the appendices).

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