Ryan Watkins

Kirkpatrick Plus: Evaluation and Continuous Improvement with a Community Focus.

For almost 40 years, Donald Kirkpatricks framework for evaluation has been used as a basic model for the identification and targeting of training-specific interventions in business, government, military, and industry alike. By approaching evaluation from four different perspectives—reaction, learning, behavior, and results—the model has provided a solid basis for the examination of trainings impact on the organization. Despite the current practice of measuring ones success according to the success of ones clients, proposed changes in the model have not been frequently adopted. It is therefore likely time for professionals to reevaluate the utility and responsiveness of the Kirk-patrick framework to meet the value-added requirements of todays organizations. This article identifies tools and concepts for being responsive to the new organizational realities not originally addressed by the Kirkpatrick model.