Tools for line managers
Training Needs Analysis
Training Needs Analysis is the process of gathering information on existing skills to assess the gaps in knowledge of employees. By identifying needs it is possible for an organisation to build a plan to offer appropriate learning opportunities ensure that there is sufficient capability for the organisation to meet its objectives. 80; FONT-FAMILY: Arial Narrow">
The University of Oxford’s Centre for Professional Development has created a Learning Needs Analysis toolkit, which includes interactive questionnaires.
Evaluation Approaches
To ensure effective learning in the workplace it's essential to evaluate.
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Consider to what extent the identified training needs were achieved by the activity.
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To what extent was the learner’s objectives achieved?
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Discuss with your staff how they will use what they’ve learnt to improve the way that they work.
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Measure the overall investment of time, money and resources that your staff put into learning and development.
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Remember that learning and development includes inductions, presentations, shadowing, reading etc as well as training. There are at least 50 ways to learn other than training.
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Report your outcomes to your managers and celebrate successes. This is essential to gain support for future learning and development.
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Keeping records can help you find out which learning and development is effective and which isn’t
Kirkpatrick model
The Kirkpatrick model is useful in structuring your evaluation. This looks at:
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Reaction of student - what they thought and felt about the training
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Learning - the resulting increase in knowledge or capability
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Behaviour - extent of behaviour and capability improvement and implementation/application
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Results - the effects on the business or environment resulting from the trainee's performance
Motivating your team
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can help identify people’s motivations. In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs the ultimate goal is ‘Self-Actualization’ which refers to people realising their personal potential, self-fulfilment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can help identify people’s motivations. In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs the ultimate goal is ‘Self-Actualization’ which refers to people realising their personal potential, self-fulfilment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.


