Session X-4: Final trainee evaluation of training program

Objective: Provide staff with feedback from trainees that can be used to evaluate the program and improve future programs.

Overview: Each trainee is asked to fill out an evaluation form similar to the ones they completed on a biweekly basis through most of the program. These are collected at the final interviews and are very useful to staff for evaluating their own performance and effectiveness, and for improving planned activities, session designs, training techniques and logistics. Following is a trainer note and a sample of a form used in past programs.

Trainer notes:

· With so much going on at the end of the program, it can be difficult to ensure that each trainee receives a form and that a completed form is collected from everyone. One system that worked fairly well was for the trainers to give an evaluation form to each trainee when notifying that individual that his/her final report was accepted. At this point, the trainee will no longer be distracted and under pressure (since the final report is completed), and should be able to give time and attention to filling out the form thoughtfully. The trainer asks each trainee to bring the completed form to the final interview, but should point out that the form will not be collected until the interview is completed. Another alternative is to give out the forms at the final interview and ask that they be turned in at the final dinner, but, based on experience in this program, this seems less likely to result in all forms being returned.

· An example of a final evaluation form follows:

FINAL EVALUATION OF TRAINING

Name:_____________________________

Country:___________________________

Date:______________________________

1. Please rate the following training activities on a scale of 1 to 5.(1=not valuable, 5=very valuable):

Additional comments (especially on activities you rated particularly high or low):

2. Please rate the training program staff on the following (1=low, 5=high):

Comments:

3. Please make any comments you may have regarding the suitability of the training facilities.

4. Please rate your skill levels in the following areas compared to ten weeks ago on a scale of 1 to 5 (1=no improvement, 5=excellent improvement):

Comments:

5. Please make any general comments you may have on the training program and the impact it has had on your understanding of fish culture, the role of the volunteer, your self-confidence, commitment to Peace Corps and fisheries program, motivation, etc.