The Likert questions above don’t focus on the learner and their perceptions of the course. Good reaction level questions should focus on the learner and can also start to touch on higher levels of evaluation. The questions above could instead be reframed:
• I understood the course learning objectives
• I was comfortable with the pace of the course
• I felt the teaching methods used in the course helped me learn the content
• I am confident I will be able to apply what I learned in my work
The open-ended, free text response questions also often suffer the same fate as Likert questions in that they too often do not focus on the learner. In addition, open-ended questions are a prime opportunity to get a deeper sense of understanding about the learner’s experience that hints at other levels of evaluation, such as learning, behavior, or results. Common open-ended questions often include:
• What did you like most about the course?
• What did you like least about the course?
• Please provide any additional feedback you feel would help us to improve the course
Instead of asking about likes, dislikes, or general feedback, dive deeper on open-ended questions. Ask questions such as:
• What was the most important thing that you learned today?
• What strategies can you use to apply what you learned today into your work?
• What assistance do you need to apply what you learned on the job?