Federal Training Guide by US OPM

The US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has developed this Training Evaluation Field Guide “to assist agency training representatives in evaluating the effectiveness of their training programs and in demonstrating training value to stakeholders and decision makers. Five factors have aligned as the impetus and ongoing support for this effort: “

1. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management Training Evaluation Regulations

2. Accountability

3. The Open Government Initiative

4. Training in the Federal Government
 
5. The Federal Chief Learning Officers Council

The Guide uses several illustrations to help gauge effectiveness of training before, during and after the applicable events (p 35):

Sample tool incorporated in the Guide:

Pulse Check Techniques to gauge training effectiveness:

“Pull Up a Chair”

If something does not appear to be going well (i.e., lack of engagement, or confusion), pull up a chair in front of the group and simply point out that you are sensing a problem. Be sure to avoid blame; just present an observation. Be a good listener and ask what would help.

“Judge’s Cards”

Give each participant a set of five 4x6 note cards numbered from 1 to 5. At any point during the session, ask them, “How relevant is this to you?” or “To what degree might this help you on your job?” Ask them to hold up a card with 1 being the lowest rating and 5 being the highest.

“Flipchart Feedback”

Place two flipchart pages on the wall of the classroom, one labeled, “I can use this” and the other “I am confused about…” Provide each participant with a Post-it note pad, and encourage them to get up at any point and place one of their Post-it notes on the appropriate flip chart page with something relevant written on it. Require participants to place at least one Post-it before going to a break or lunch. Debrief periodically.

“Periodic Check”

Periodically stop and ask participants an open-ended question such as, “Do you see any value in this?” or “How might you apply this?”

From : http://www.opm.gov/hrd/lead/pubs/FieldGuidetoTrainingEvaluation.pdf

US OPM, Field Guide To Training Evaluation, January 2011, p 35.

Does Your Training Program Pass The Test? By Vicki Halsey, Phd.

ROE Case Study: US Federal Government Agency in Training Magazine (Trainingmag.com)

OPM 2011 Fall Festival of Training For Benefits Officers

Retirement Services, Benefits Officers Training and Development (BOTD) announce their 2011 Fall Festival of Training. They will be conducting an array of 21 workshops on November 29, 30 and December 1, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Phoenix, AZ. These workshops consist of full and ½ day workshops. 
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US OPM Federal Leadership Training - 4/18-22

Course:  The Extraordinary Leader: Turning Good Managers into Great Leaders

The Extraordinary Leader is an intensive, 4½ day program. This course provides an empirical analysis of leadership, a practical, conceptual module of leadership, and an actionable guide all based on John Zenger and Joseph Folkman’s ground-breaking book: The Extraordinary Leader: Turning Good Managers into Great Leaders.

Competencies Emphasized

• Accountability

• Continual Learning

• Decisiveness

• Integrity/Honesty

• Interpersonal Skills

Who Should Attend

The federal manager and those moving up to manager no matter the seniority, level of authority or experience. This can include those in formal leadership roles with direct reports (supervisors, managers, branch chiefs, etc) or individual contributors without direct reports (scientists, engineers, lawyers, project or program managers, PMFs, etc.).

Length - 5 days.

Locations


WMDC, Aurora, CO;

College Credits - N/A

Schedule

• Apr 18-22, ‘11 @ WMDC, Aurora, CO $2950

Register 

Starts 8:00 AM on 1st day ends 12:00 PM on last day

Lodging and meals are included in the tuition. Lodging starts the evening before the program and ends on the last day of the program.

• Jun 27-Jul 1, ‘11 @ WMDC, Aurora, CO $2950

Starts 8:00 AM on 1st day ends 12:00 PM on last day

Lodging and meals are included in the tuition. Lodging starts the evening before the program and ends on the last day of the program

Read more…

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TSP Addresses Furlough Questions - Article on Fedweek.Com as of 4/3/11