Kirkpatrick model turned upside down...? Level 4 to 1

Interesting article in November's edition of CLO magazine (www.clomedia.com) by Donald Kirkpatrick's son, Jim and his wife, on how the Kirkpatrick evaluation model which seems to have turned upside down like everything else in this crazy world.

It use to be that you would conduct a Level 1 evaluation survey on the training that you provided in order to gauge people's reaction to the event. Then follow up with level 2 to check their knowledge, then level 3 evaluation to determine what they have retained and finally a level 4 survey to poll the actual results that were produced as an output...logical, yes?

Well, their new theory is: when thinking about the entire training process, let's start with the expected results, quantify them (the level expected output) and then drill in reverse down the food chain. So, once you have the intended results that are expected to be achieved, then determine (Level 3) what behaviors you want the people to exhibit that will produce those results. Drill down again and determine what information or knowledge (level 2) you will have to impart to them to get the intended behaviors. Finally, determine Level 1, what training do you need to develop and in what modality should it be delivered in order to get their positive reaction or commitment.

It's upside down, but it makes perfect sense!