Staff supporting researchers masterclass - evaluation 201021 September 2010

Event overview

In 2010 Vitae are offering a programme of five masterclasses focusing on specific areas of training and development within the higher education environment.  The masterclasses are aimed at staff supporting researchers who are looking to innovate and develop their training provision.

The five masterclasses will be on the following topics:

• training needs analysis and PDP (30 April, Manchester)
• creativity (13 May, Birmingham)
• NLP (Neuro linguistic programme) in researcher development programmes (29 July, London)
• demonstrating impact: evaluation (21 September, London)
• coaching and mentoring (19 October, Newcastle)

Each masterclass will be led by an expert in the particular topic area and who has experience within the higher education environment.

To read more about these events please visit the staff supporting researchers section.

Workshop outline (10am - 3:30pm)

This masterclass is designed to be a comprehensive, practical and interactive one-day event, specifically for those involved in the training and development of researchers, that will answer questions you have on evaluation and ROI (return on investment). The day is split in to two parts with Paul leading the morning session focussing on evaluation theory and Tony leading the afternoon session, focussing upon application of evaluation theory to the researcher training and development context.

Evaluation is probably the most important aspect of learning effectiveness and yet it is widely misunderstood and this makes trainers unnecessarily apprehensive.  Evaluation is about measurement and there are many aspects of training that appear too difficult to measure.  Yet evaluation is an incredibly simple subject, once you understand the basic principles, and when used correctly it will always enhance the role of the trainer.

Key features of effective evaluation include:

• knowing the difference between validation and evaluation
• realising that measurement will aid the learning experience and not restrict it
• putting £ signs on the benefits of training provides very positive feedback to managers and trainees
• evaluation should increase the motivation of learners and increase commitment to training and development activity in general in institutions

 On completion of this masterclass you should be able to:

• undertake evaluative, training needs analysis for all types of training and development using a systematic approach
• develop a convincing argument in favour of training and development activity
• produce clear evidence of training needs and outcomes
• work with evaluation models including the Baseline model and the Rugby Team Impact Framework
• develop a higher level of questioning skills to keep training closely linked to the needs of stakeholders (including researchers, higher education institutions and funders of research)
• use a range of tools and techniques for evaluation and prioritising of evaluation
• work as internal consultants with research departments whilst ensuring supervisors and Principal Investigators recognise the importance of their own role in learning effectiveness.