Perks Of Using Quantitative eLearning Assessments
Simulations, branching scenarios, and serious games are popular qualitative assessment methods. They help to determine how well an employee knows the topic and whether they can apply it in real-world settings. On the other hand, quantitative assessment gauges how well they understand the topic. If they know the policies like the back of their hand and truly grasp the compliance regulations. It provides quantifiable data to identify areas for improvement and highlight patterns among your remote workforce. But why should you opt for qualitative or quantitative eLearning assessment in your online training program? And is it best to implement both in your L&D strategy?
6 Advantages Of Quantitative Versus Qualitative Assessments
1. Easier To Measure
Qualitative assessment methods are more difficult to measure because it’s about the quality of the employee’s knowledge and performance. How well they use their training to overcome real-world obstacles. As an example, did they exhibit certain skills or talents? Were they able to resolve the conflict or do they need to work on their interpersonal abilities? The quantitative assessment is all about data; hard figures and stats that allow you to gauge an employee’s development and identify gaps in their knowledge base. It’s the ideal evaluation approach for know-how versus skills or performance behaviors. For example, does the employee understand compliance issues and how they pertain to their job duties? Do they know the product features and benefits well enough to pitch them to customers? Can the customer service employee outline every step of the return process?
2. Monitor Employee Performance With Statistical Data
Big Data is worth its weight in gold. Especially if you need to improve your performance management strategy and offer ongoing support. The quantitative assessment provides you with statistical data you can use to enact meaningful change. It’s all backed by cold, hard numbers instead that help you zero-in on areas for improvement for individuals and groups. For instance, the stats reveal that 75% of your employees scored below average on the customer service exam. You dig deeper to identify the questions they answered incorrectly and line it up with your training strategy. If all your employees struggled with the ‘customer complaint filing process’ question, you may need to reevaluate that portion of the course.
3. Less Challenging To Chart And Graph
Another benefit of quantitative eLearning assessments is being able to chart employee growth. Such as monitoring their test scores over time to see if they’ve bridged knowledge gaps and put in the work. This might be in the form of graphs, charts, or other visual representations. Thus, you can spot patterns across the organization to disclose hidden training gaps. For instance, most of your employees show stagnation, so your compliance course design may be at fault. Quantitative data is easier to plot on the graph because it’s based on test and survey results. Where are already in a numerical format. As opposed to simulations and scenarios that involve more observation and empirical data.
4. Delve Deeper Into Qualitative Analysis
Quantitative evaluation can even help you make sense of qualitative data and develop a more holistic employee training profile. For instance, the employee breezed through the task simulation and achieved the best outcome. However, a multiple-choice exam zeros-in on hidden gaps the simulation missed. Maybe they had all the necessary skills but there are a few compliance policies or regulations they’re still unaware of. Likewise, you can find out why an employee performed poorly during a serious game or branching scenario with quantitative follow-up. For instance, the trouble lies with their company policy know-how.
5. Evaluate A Larger Number Of Learners At Once
Qualitative online training methods typically involve automatic feedback in the LMS. You set the criteria and evaluation parameters, then the system displays suitable constructive feedback. Such as which steps an employee skipped or which skills they must hone. It’s an individualized approach. You can still analyze their LMS performance reports on a case-by-case basis, which may be time-consuming for larger organizations. Quantitative evaluation allows you to assess everyone’s scores quickly and conveniently. To see who made the grade, what percentage of employees received adequate marks, and who are struggling with the content. You always have the option to view individual reports for in-depth analysis.
6. Summarize And Organize Information More Efficiently
Last, but not least, quantitative evaluation is easier on your L&D team. They’re able to sum up the information and organize it more efficiently because it’s quantifiable. Instead of some data that’s less tangible and more difficult to decipher. Modern LMS platforms make this process less time consuming for quantitative and qualitative assessment data. However, multiple-choice results are still easier to manage and compile. Particularly if you have online training software with custom reporting so that you can monitor specific KPIs. For instance, the sales manager discovers that their top performer needs to revisit the product knowledge course based on their multiple-choice exam scores.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons for both assessment methods. For this reason, it’s often best to create a testing strategy that combines them to form a dynamic evaluation duo. Use quantitative eLearning assessments to gauge their knowledge, then qualitative evaluation for practical application. Another overlooked quantitative method is surveys and polls, which allow you to gather feedback from the team and improve your strategy. So, take a closer look at your current analytical methods to see if you’re getting the complete picture.
