Introduction

Lesson: Introduction to Program Validations

Learning Objective: At the end of the lesson, you will be able to explain the validation process including the steps of conducting validation studies and the purpose of validation studies.

Learner Directions: The learner is required to complete the following:

  1. You need to read through the material below and you should read CFITES Volume 8 – Validation of Instructional Programs.
  2. After you have completed the readings, you will post a blog regarding your immediate reflections about validation studies within the Canadian Armed Forces.

Materials Required:

  1. CFITES Volume 8 – Validation of Instructional Programs
  2. Course Website
  3. WordPress Blog Site

References: 

  1. CFITES Volume 8 – Validation of Instructional Programs

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The Lesson: Introduction to Validation of Training Programs.

Validation is the final cycle of the quality control process as described by the CFITES Process. Validations are used in order to determine if the individual training program is meeting the operational requirements. It is important to understand that validations are normally conducted 6-18 months after a training program has been completed by a student. Waiting for 6-18 months allows for a more holistic understanding of the connection between the training and the job.

Validations are seen as an important element in the training cycle. Ineffective training that does not prepare members to complete tasks and jobs could have a negative impact on operations, could cause injury, and could have a negative impact on the financial side of training.

There are four steps of validation:

  1. Planning
  2. Designing
  3. Interpreting
  4. Reporting

The entire process of validating a training program can be summed up by the following:

Validation Process

The goal of a validation study is to determine if the training program is preparing members to perform the jobs and tasks that they were trained to do.

Activity: Read CFITES Volume 8 (p. 1-5). Please take note of the purpose of validations and the impact that conducting a validation study has.

Assessment (formative): After you have completed the readings, you will post a blog regarding your immediate reflections about validation studies within the Canadian Armed Forces.

Use the following guided questions to assist in your post:

  1. What is the purpose of validations and how will this impact your position?
  2. What are the positive aspects of conducting a validation study?
  3. What does “developing a supportive context” mean? Why is this important?