Learning measurement on a shoestring
For too long, learning programs have relied on expensive tools and complex systems to measure impact. But what if organizations already have the data they need? Dr. Alaina Szlachta, author of Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring, is on a mission to help L&D professionals leverage existing resources for smarter evaluation. Hear why she believes measurement isn’t as complicated as it seems – and how learning leaders can drive impact with what’s already at their fingertips.
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Top tips for effective measurement and evaluation
Don’t have time to listen now? Here’s a quick summary of what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Tapping into existing data: How to leverage data that’s right under your nose, instead of relying on expensive assessments.
- Why measurement matters: Why aligning measurement with organizational priorities is key for L&D success.
- Moving from skills to capabilities: The importance of shifting focus from skills to a more rounded capabilities approach.
- Breaking the “order-taker” cycle: How to move from being an “order-taker” to a strategic partner in learning.
- No magic metric, just smarter thinking: Taking a strategic, adaptable approach to evaluation instead of searching for one “magic metric”.
1. Tapping into existing data
Alaina explains how organizations have more data than they realize – Google calendars, call center logs, performance reports, and more. Instead of creating new measurement tools, learning leaders can tap into this existing data to analyze trends and track learning impact.
” We are swimming in data, just absolutely swimming in data. And so now if we take it into the workplace, just take a moment and imagine where all the data artifacts exist that help us to see what’s happening in the organization.”
2. Why measurement matters
For L&D professionals, demonstrating impact is critical. Without measurement, it’s impossible to know if learning initiatives are driving real business outcomes. Alaina, a former athlete, compares it to performance goals – without measurement, how do you know if you’re winning?
“I want to know, what are the expectations for me so that I can hit or exceed them. Because as an individual, I don’t want to just meet my goal. I want to surpass it.”
3. Moving from skills to capabilities
A key shift in L&D is focusing on capabilities rather than just skills. Skills assessments alone don’t capture the full picture – capabilities include access to the right tools, policies, and organizational support structures.
“We need to lean away from skills and into capabilities because if our environment’s not set up for success, then it doesn’t matter how skilled we are. We’re not going to be able to perform correctly.”
4. Breaking the “order-taker” cycle
Too often, L&D teams are handed a pre-determined solution without proper analysis. Alaina suggests pushing back and asking what problem needs to be solved, rather than simply delivering training.
“Anytime somebody comes to us with a solution and asks us to go deliver that solution, we need to get creative and critical. We need to change the conversation from taking the order to digging into what the performance is that we want to see changed.”
5. No magic metric, just smarter thinking
There is no single “magic metric” that can measure learning effectiveness. Instead, learning leaders must take a more strategic, adaptable approach to evaluating their programs.
“There is never going to be a magic metric that we can use every time. That oversimplification is what gets us in trouble because then we don’t see the whole picture.”
About Alaina
While working in academic and corporate roles, Alaina has developed a passion for magnifying the results of L&D through good data. She’s the founder and host of Measurement Made Easy – A community of practice elevating data literacy, and author of the book Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring.
You can find out more and get connected with Alaina on LinkedIn.
Order your copy of Alaina’s book on her website.
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