All of your training efforts will eventually lead to an evaluation in which trainees demonstrate their knowledge and/or skill for your consideration. The purpose of an evaluation is to determine if any additional training is required, not to pass or fail a trainee. However, a successful evaluation does not necessarily mean that no further training is required. Consider the following guidelines when conducting evaluations:

In the Classroom

Your evaluation of the trainees’ level of understanding in the classroom should be an ongoing process delivered through discussion and interaction. A formal evaluation such as a written test should follow. When issuing a written test:

• Review the theory content of the training before giving the test.
• Ensure that you are satisfied with the trainees’ level of understanding beforehand.
• Do not leave the room while trainees take the test.
• Collect and grade the test yourself.
• Return the graded tests back to the trainees and review. This will help trainees that may have answered questions incorrectly to understand why.
• Collect the tests and take them with you into the field.

In the Field

The practical evaluation process is conducted quite differently than the practical training process we discussed last time. When conducting practical evaluations in the field:

• Conduct one on one evaluations with each trainee.
• Issue simple tasks one at a time.
• Move around so you can see but stay out of the way and out of the trainee’s peripheral vision.
• You can speak to the trainee but do not coach training is over!
• Get rid of any casual spectators.
• Always complete the evaluation regardless of early results; remember the reason you are out there is to gather information not to pass or fail.
• Stop the evaluation after 6 to 10 loads or anytime it becomes hazardous to continue.
• De-brief the operator on their performance in both the classroom and in the field. This is the time to clear up any concerns you may have regarding the trainee’s knowledge and/or performance.

Finally, always try to keep evaluation results private, they are nobody’s concern but the trainee’s, the employer’s and yours.