What type of tools are most commonly used in Kirkpatrick Level 2 evaluation?

Kirkpatrick's Level 2 evaluation focuses primarily on measuring learners' knowledge, skills, and attitudes after participating in a training program. The use of knowledge or performance tests is central at this level because they provide a structured way to assess what participants have learned and retained as a result of the training.

Knowledge tests can include quizzes, exams, or assessments that evaluate how well learners can recall and apply the material provided during training. Performance tests assess the ability to demonstrate skills in practical scenarios, ensuring that learners can translate theoretical knowledge into real-world application. This level helps organizations determine if the intended learning outcomes were successfully achieved and informs potential improvements for future training initiatives.

While observational assessments, feedback surveys, and financial analysis tools can provide valuable insights, they do not specifically align with assessing the immediate learning outcomes as effectively as knowledge or performance tests do at Kirkpatrick's Level 2. Observational assessments are more about observing behavior in practice, and feedback surveys gather participants' perceptions, which could apply to different evaluation levels or aspects of a program. Financial analysis tools are distinctly separate, focusing on financial outcomes rather than learning assessment.