Level 1: Reaction Assessment / Survey

A reaction survey is a subjective evaluation of the training course by the participants that assesses how they “feel”. Sometimes called “smile sheets’, reaction surveys measure the participant's immediate perceptions of the quality and usefulness of the training. The results provide information regarding relevancy of information and the teaching style of the instructor. Questions about trainer presentation skills, accommodations, pace, and difficulty and usefulness of content may be included in a reaction survey (Reference: ANSI Z490.1). Reaction to training can be conducted by using participant feedback questionnaires, gathering informal comments from participants, and by holding focus group sessions with participants.

Examples of questions to assess participant reaction:

What is your overall reaction to the course?

1. Very Good
2. Good
3. Average
4. Poor
5. Very Poor

What did you like best? What did you like least?
The instructor's contribution to the training process was valuable.

1. Strongly agree
2. Agree
3. Neutral
4. Disagree
5. Strongly disagree

Were the materials, hand-outs and/or activities useful?
___Yes ___No ___Don't know

Were the teaching methods effective?
___Yes ___No ___Don't know

Would you recommend this training to others?
___Yes ___No ___Don't know

Comments:__________________________________________________________________