Provide time for the participants to complete the form before the training ends. Identify the program, trainer and date at the top of each survey. To encourage completely honest responses, the respondents should be anonymous along with the return procedure. In other words, don't have someone standing at the door reading the responses. Explain at the beginning that the evaluation is an integral part of the training.
Participants are part of the training team and their input is vital.
Transition to the survey with a brief wrap-up or brainstorming session. Use the smile sheet immediately after a closing module on completion of an Action Plan, a first step to utilizing learned skills and knowledge. This puts participants in a posture of taking responsibility for their learning when they respond to the survey. At this point, you may discover that there are environmental impediments, such as lack of equipment, supervisor support or authority, to using the newly acquired knowledge and skills. Understand that learning is often stressful and confusing, especially when learning complex skills or relearning old proficiencies.