Using a Retrospective Pretest to Measure Learning in Professional Development Programs |
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| Authors: | Leila González Sullivan Karen J Haley |
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| Institution: | 1. North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina, USA lgsullivan@ncsu.edu;3. Northern Illinois University , DeKalb, Illinois, USA |
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| Abstract: | Millions of dollars are spent annually on professional development, and designers of training events recognize they must demonstrate to all stakeholders the value added by these programs. The purpose of this study was to measure the learning that occurred during professional development seminars for community college academic department chairs. The research question was the following: What increases in knowledge and skills did program participants attribute to their training experience? Using Alliger and Janak's model for levels of learning as a conceptual framework, data were collected through a preliminary questionnaire on learning needs, session and overall evaluations, and a retrospective pretest addressing 35 knowledge and skill areas. Statistical analysis of retrospective pretest results for six areas identified by participants as priorities indicated that participants felt learning had occurred as a result of the seminar (significant at .0001 level). The retrospective pretest instrument was deemed an effective tool for evaluating learning in continuing education offerings, higher education professional development events, and similar settings. |
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