Evaluating Cognitive Training Outcomes: Validity and Utility of Structural Knowledge Assessment

By Journal of Business and Psychology, Volume 18, Number 2 - Conventional approaches to evaluating cognitive outcomes of training typically use paper-and-pencil tests that emphasize gains or differences in declarative knowledge. Yet a key factor in differentiating expert and novice performance is the way individuals organize their knowledge. Accordingly, the acquisition of meaningful knowledge structures and methods of assessing structural knowledge are potentially important issues for designing and evaluating training programs. Two studies were conducted to examine the validity and utility of one structural assessment technique called Pathfinder (Schvaneveldt, Durso, & Dearholt, 1989). Results from academic and organizational samples indicated that Pathfinder measures of structural knowledge quality predicted individual differences in performance self-efficacy. After controlling for differences in declarative knowledge, measures of structural knowledge quality added to the prediction of performance self-efficacy in the student sample, but not in the organizational sample. The unique features and potential advantages of structural assessment for training evaluation are discussed. 

Training Puzzles

From Thiagi
For more than 10 years, we have been experimenting with instructional puzzles. Check out our samples..

Training Puzzles

• How many Conflict Management terms can you name?
• What are some of the most important Facilitator Characteristics?
• Can you name these Performance Improvement Interventions?
• Can you identify ten Interactive Strategies?

Training Games

From Thiagi
This section contains more than 250 ready-to-use training games and activities. Most of them were published in the Thiagi GameLetter.
If you like these games and activities, please visit the endorsers' area to leave your comments. Thiagi may use these comments as blurbs for his future publications.
Thanks!

Use this process to create a training knowledge base

By Lauri Elliot - A knowledge base can be a highly effective, inexpensive tool when traditional user training isn't an option. Here's a case study from an IT consultant and trainer that will teach you how to create and manage a training knowledge base.

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/use-this-process-to-create-a-training-knowledge-base/1039435

Classroom Presentation Checklist

By na - A basic evaluation type checklist for classroom presentations that contains 16 items. Can be used in a number of ways, but we include it here to be used as a basis for customizing.

Tools For Trainers

By na - This is actually a short evaluation tool that can be used if working with a coach or trainer who you might be supervising. It's also a good basis for doing some self-feedback

Coaching Checklist

By na - This is a short very basic checklist that can be used to prepare for coaching an employee. Before conducting a coaching session answer all of the questions below about the employee and the situation. Doing so will help you focus on what to say.Before conducting a coaching session answer all of the questions below about the employee and the situation.  Doing so will help you focus on what to say. 

Induction Check List

By BusinessBalls - Induction training is another term for onboarding, or new employee orientation. Here's an article you can use as a checklist on this topic, that explains what should be included, ways to make it enjoyable.