The goals of a training evaluation are to determine the extent to which trainees have changed behaviour because of participating in a training…

Formative evaluation gathers qualitative feedback aimed at improving the program for future offerings, while summative evaluation is conducted after training to measure outcomes such as transfer of learning and on-the-job behaviour change (Kirkpatrick Level 3). Together they satisfy both stated objectives: enhancing the program and verifying behaviour change.

A. “Training evaluation” is vague and does not explicitly include outcome (summative) measures; formative alone cannot confirm behaviour change.

B. Pilot testing occurs before rollout; it cannot assess post-program behaviour in actual trainees.

C. Self-assessments are subjective and lack rigour; summative alone omits the improvement feedback loop.

1. Saks, A. M. & Haccoun, R. R. Managing Performance Through Training & Development, 8th ed., Ch. 7, pp. 226-228 (formative vs. summative).

2. Noe, R. A. Employee Training & Development, 8th ed., Ch. 6, pp. 248-249.

3. Kirkpatrick, D. & Kirkpatrick, J. Evaluating Training Programs, 3rd ed., pp. 21-24.