Three Easy Ways to Test the Effectiveness of a Training Activity

Effective instructional designers test and prototype designs before implementing them broadly across organizations. The higher the stakes, the more sense it makes set yourself up to succeed the first time.

Here are three simple instructional design tests to evaluate the effectiveness of your instructional design.

1. Self Assessment. Once your prototype design is complete, step back and critically evaluate the design by playing the roles of different skeptical stakeholders. Use your knowledge about the target audience and the company culture as you compare your approach to the desired outcomes and modify your design accordingly.
   
   
2. Expert Appraisal. Utilize a group of internal and experts with varied perspectives to judge the relevancy, appropriateness, and value of your design. The more cynical – the better. You want open and honest feedback to help make your design better.
   
   
3. Prototype Testing. Test out your design with a group of participants that best represent your target audience. Focus on identifying major pros and cons that will most improve the experience. Explicitly incorporate the participants into the design process with clear roles, decision criteria, and success metrics.