An effective CPD activity comprises of evaluation of experience, learning, impact and results of the activity which guides the professional development of both teachers and learners. This is emphasized in the DHP standards (CSSW Educational Standard 1.5).

For an accredited Category 1 activity, the minimum required questions are:

The evaluation system must:

• allow participants to identify whether the overall and individual session learning objectives were met.
• provide opportunities for participants to identify the potential impact of the activity for their practice.
• ask participants to identify whether the content was balanced and free of commercial or other sources of bias (including an open text box where learners may offer further details if content was not balanced and free of commercial or other sources of bias).
• ask participants whether members of the SPC, speakers, moderators, facilitators and/or authors disclosed their relationships.

For an accredited Category 3 activity, the minimum required questions are:

The evaluation system must provide an opportunity for participants to assess:

• whether the defined purpose was achieved.
• the potential impact of the activity for their practice.
• the relevance or appropriateness of the assessment process or measures selected for their practice.
• the utility of the feedback provided.
• if the activity enabled identification of areas for future improvement.

Use standardized evaluation form (Toolkit C6) for all category 1 & 3 activities and SET-M (Toolkit C7) for simulation-based Category 3 activities.

Rating scales however usually involve asking participants to rate abstract concepts, such as satisfaction, ease, or likelihood to recommend. The item selection can have a big impact on both the responses and interpretation. There are different ways of classifying rating scales and slight variations can result in different looking rating scales, even though they’re variations on the same scale.

1. Linear Numeric Scale
   
   

2. Likert
   
   

3. Multiple Rating Matrix
   
   

4. Frequency Scales
   
   

CPD RESULTS EVALUATION 

Evaluation of the end results of a CPD activity is crucial to the success of the event and ensures that the intended learning outcomes have been achieved. This usually takes place after the activity has taken place and can be used as evidence of learning needs for future activities.

Following questions are to be considered by the participant and the organizer to evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of the activity for the intended outcomes. This can be done in the form of a statement or a survey. The discussions could take place in the form of a meeting between the participant and the CPD organizer.

If this evaluation is used in the context of performance management it is important to stress the supportive and developmental nature of the process.