Most organizations use some type of performance or test assessment to measure the effectiveness of their learning and development programs, according to a Sept. 12 report from the Association for Talent Development.
In a survey of 318 talent development professionals, more than 90% said they include learning assessments in their training courses.
“Assessments and tests gauge what the respondents know, can do or believe in relation to the requirement being investigated,” ATD said in its study. “They include knowledge assessments through verbal or written responses to multiple-choice, true-or-false, fill-in-the-blank, or essay questions; actual performance of a skill while being observed; and analysis of work results, products or output against quality criteria.”
Assessments can include tests before, during and after training to discern knowledge level, what participants learned and whether the learners achieved the training objectives, ATD said.
In the survey, 74% of talent development professionals said their organizations use performance assessments, which they believe effectively measure learning outcomes. The most common performance assessments measured on-the-job skills and scenario-based work.
Although test assessments were also common, only 58% said they effectively measure learning. Most organizations using tests said they rely on single-select, multiple-choice or true/false questions.
In addition, most organizations said they rely on learning assessments for foundational skills or compliance training. Notably, employees who don’t pass the assessments during the first attempt are typically allowed to retake the training or assessment, the report found.
“By better understanding how organizations create and use learning assessments, TD professionals can potentially overcome the challenges they face when measuring learning,” ATD said. “TD professionals should continue to learn and find resources that will allow them to stay current in this area.”
In today’s L&D environment, effective training includes executive-style training for all employees, according to survey results from CYPHER Learning. Nearly all workers who responded said training is important for their role, and more than three-quarters said they’re more likely to stay with an employer that prioritizes training, especially programs focused on improving skills and job performance.