Kirkpatrick method: how SoWeSoft helps you measure the impact of your training

Whether you are a trainer or an HR manager, it makes sense to want to evaluate the impact of the training you provide to your learners. The problem is that it is difficult to quantify without concrete data. Relying solely on participants’ feelings through opinion surveys can be misleading. Thanks to the Kirkpatrick method integrated into SoWeSkill by SoWeSoft, measuring the real impact of your educational actions becomes much easier!

The Kirkpatrick method, also called a model, is unique in its kind. Named after Donald Kirkpatrick who developed it in the 1950s, it is divided into four distinct levels:

• Level 1: Reaction
  This level assesses the immediate reaction of training participants—their overall perception and satisfaction “hot off the press.” It helps trainers make quick adjustments.
• Level 2: Learning
  This level evaluates the acquisition of knowledge and skills, often via tests to precisely measure what has been learned.
• Level 3: Behavior
  More complex to implement, this level focuses on evaluating how well participants apply what they learned in their professional context, often through field observation.
• Level 4: Results
  This level analyzes the organizational outcomes of training (productivity, satisfaction, ROI…), measuring its direct impact on business results.

As we’ve seen, the Kirkpatrick method is theoretical and can be implemented through various tools. SoWeSoft’s SoWeSkill solution offers particularly relevant features to measure your training impact:

Tracking trends and gaps

With SoWeSkill’s analytics tools, you can go beyond simple scores from Level 2 (Learning) and identify:

• Key trends in your training programs

• Precise gaps between initial objectives and actual results

• Strengths and areas for improvement thanks to insightful data visualization

You can then adjust your training programs to aim for excellence.

Report generation for all four Kirkpatrick levels

SoWeSkill also provides automatic reports and customizable dashboards designed to:

• Help you process evaluation data more efficiently

• Enable quick, informed decision-making

• Provide clear indicators for each training session

These reports cover all four Kirkpatrick levels:

• Level 1 (Reaction): Insights help analyze learner satisfaction and engagement, identifying areas for future improvement.

• Level 2 (Learning): Reports highlight learners’ strengths and weaknesses, allowing evaluation personalization.

• Level 3 (Behavior): Data collected from the field helps measure training impact in real professional settings.

• Level 4 (Results): Reports support measuring organizational effects like staff retention, productivity, and ROI — essential data for sustainable growth!