Training effectiveness evaluation: Advancing a Kirkpatrick model based composite framework

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Extension
• Program Evaluation
• Rural Development

Background:

• Evaluating the effectiveness of farmer training programs is crucial for agricultural development.
• Existing evaluation models may lack the robustness needed for diverse rural contexts.
• Farmers Training Centres (FTCs) in India require a standardized method to measure training impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a quantitative protocol for evaluating rural training program effectiveness.
• To create a robust framework based on Kirkpatrick's model for measuring training impact.
• To provide standardized indicators for assessing training effectiveness in rural settings.

Main Methods:

• Developed a four-dimensional composite framework using indicator normalization and principal component analysis.
• Estimated indicator weights using principal component analysis and tested framework sensitivity with rank correlation.
• Collected and analyzed primary data from 1000 randomly selected trainees through household surveys and interviews.

Main Results:

• The effectiveness of rural training programs varies significantly, with an estimated 25% potentially being ineffective.
• Trainees' reactions positively influence learning, and training outcomes correlate with behavioral changes.
• Sensitivity analysis confirmed the framework's robustness and reliability across different weighting schemes.

Conclusions:

• The proposed quantitative protocol offers a standardized and robust method for evaluating rural training programs.
• The framework enhances Kirkpatrick's model by providing measurable indicators for training effectiveness.
• Findings can guide policy decisions for training organizations to improve program impact for farmers, farm women, and rural youth.