Learning Delivery Measurements: Paper vs. Electronic Surveys

After delivering a training course, it's not uncommon to measure the learning delivery by issuing a short survey about the training covering the course content, delivery method, and the training environment. These surveys have traditionally been issued on paper at the conclusion of the class with students immediately filling them out and returning them. With the popularity of e-learning, electronic surveys also have their place.

Typical Surveys

Learning delivery measurement surveys typically ask 10-15 questions and often measure learning delivery against levels one (reaction) and two (learning) of Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Evaluation. Because paper surveys are usually issued immediately following the course, levels three (behavior) and four (results) are usually addressed with questions asking about the intended application of the learning and the anticipated impact of it.

The Pros and Cons of Paper Surveys

Paper surveys are typically issued at the end of a class and then filled out and turned in before students leave. This ensures a 100 percent response rate. However, because the surveys are paper based, the responses must be manually entered into a spreadsheet before any meaningful data can be compiled.

Advantages of Electronic Surveys

Electronic surveys became necessary with the introduction of e-learning. While some e-learning course instructors may have measured the effectiveness of the learning by mailing paper surveys, the advantages of electronic surveys surely stopped that practice before it became widespread. Electronic surveys are often sent a few days after students complete the course. Because this type of survey is electronic, results are automatically compiled into real-time reports.

However, because students are not a captive audience, the response rate is often far from perfect. To ensure a 100 percent response rate, many instructors require that the survey be filled out before course credit is issued.

Both paper and electronic surveys have their place. To ensure relevant feedback, use Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Evaluation to measure reaction, learning, intended application of the learning, and anticipated impact of the learning.

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