Assessments in GIS Training: A Guide

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This article will explain the assessment survey provided on this platform that can be used to assess the success of basic GIS training. This assessment is geared towards assessing the motivation to learn GIS and the participants’ self-assessment of their GIS skills. The assessment is kept short and focuses on the essentials. It is meant to be extended by trainers if they see the need.

Survey templates

Google survey temaplate: Pre Training Survey

Click here -> Click Make a copy. Now you can use the survey via your own Google account.

Kobo survey temaplate: Pre Training Survey

Here you can download the .xlsx file for the assessment to be used in Kobo Toolbox or ODK.

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Google survey temaplate: Post Training Survey

Click here -> Click Make a copy. Now you can use the survey via your own Google account.

Kobo survey temaplate: Post Training Survey

Here you can download the .xlsx file for the assessment to be used in Kobo Toolbox or ODK.

Why do we do assessments?

There are many reasons why assessments are an essential part of every training. In the end, we want to know how successful the training was. Assessments, before and after the training, can also provide other important information. We have listed some below:

1. Understanding baseline proficiency: Before diving into the training content, it’s essential to assess the participants’ current knowledge, skills, and motivation related to GIS. This baseline measurement helps us tailor the training to meet the needs of our participants.

2. Customizing training content: By analyzing pre-training assessments, trainers can customize the training content to suit the proficiency level of each participant. This ensures that the training remains relevant and engaging for everyone, regardless of their prior experience with GIS.

3. Setting clear goals and expectations: Assessments before the training assist in setting clear goals and expectations for both trainers and participants. By understanding the starting point of each participant, trainers can establish specific learning objectives for the training, providing a roadmap for success.

4. Measuring progress and effectiveness: Post-training assessments allow trainers to measure the progress of participants and evaluate the effectiveness of the training program. By comparing pre-training and post-training results, trainers can assess the impact of the training and identify areas for improvement.

5. Gathering feedback for improvement: Post-training assessments provide valuable feedback for trainers. They offer insights into the participants’ perceptions of the training, highlight any gaps in learning, and provide suggestions for enhancing future training programs.

6. Motivating continued learning: Finally, assessments help reinforce learning and motivation among participants. Seeing tangible improvements in their skills and knowledge encourages participants to continue using GIS and further develop their expertise.

In summary, assessments play a vital role in GIS training by providing baseline measurements, customizing training content, setting clear goals, measuring progress, gathering feedback, and motivating continued learning. Incorporating assessments into your training program ensures a more effective and impactful learning experience for all participants.

How to do the assessment

Based on the standard assessment survey, you have three options:

1. Paper or Word based: You can utilize a paper-based version or distribute the Word file via email. This allows everyone to fill out the survey, and later, you can extract the data.

2. Google Survey: Alternatively, you can use Google Surveys with the provided template. This digital approach offers the benefits of Google Surveys’ functionality, and you can view the results immediately.

3. Use another survey system: Otherwise, you have the flexibility to take the questions and incorporate them into any other survey system you prefer to use.

Introduction to the standard survey

Below you can find a detailed explanation of each survey section and question.

Pre Training Survey

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Motivation

1. How motivated are you to learn more about QGIS? (scale 1-5)

Little motivated	…	…	…	Highly motivated
1	2	3	4	5

Explanation

This question assesses the participants’ motivation level to learn more about QGIS, providing insight into their eagerness to engage with the training content.

2. Why would you like to learn (more) about QGIS? (multiple answers possible)

   • Thematic interest

   • I would like to create maps for:

     • Reports & proposals

     • Logistic purposes

     • Planning operations

     • Risk analysis

     • Competence

   • Other:

Explanation

Participants are asked to select the reasons why they want to learn or enhance their knowledge of QGIS. This helps trainers understand the diverse motivations driving participants’ interest. Based on the context of the GIS training, the answer options can be adapted.

Competence

3. What is your current level of knowledge in QGIS? (scale 1-5)

Little	…	…	…	Expert
1	2	3	4	5

Explanation

This question evaluates participants’ self-assessed level of knowledge in QGIS on a scale of 1 to 5, allowing trainers to gauge the participants’ perceived proficiency before the training begins.

4. What is your previous experience in QGIS operations? (multiple answers possible)

   • None

   • I used GIS once

   • I collected geodata

   • I participated in a mapathon

   • I have basic knowledge in data processing

   • I have basic knowledge in geodata (e.g. vector vs. raster data)

   • I have basic knowledge in statistics

   • I use maps on a regular basis

Explanation

Participants are prompted to indicate their past experiences with QGIS operations, including any prior usage. This helps trainers adapt the training content to accommodate varying levels of prior experience among participants. The list of answer options can be adapted.

Post Training Survey

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Acquired competence

1. How much did you learn during the training? (scale 1-5)

Little	…	…	…	Very much
1	2	3	4	5

Explanation

Participants rate their perceived level of learning during the training on a scale of 1 to 5, providing insight into the effectiveness of the training program.

2. What competence did you acquire during the training?

   • I know how to create a basic map (e.g. overview map of a country)

   • I know where I can get data for my project

   • I know where to get information when a technical problem occurs

Explanation

Participants list the competencies they acquired during the training, helping trainers understand the specific skills and knowledge gained by participants.

3. Did you find the training comprehensible? (scale 1-5)

Very comprehensible	…	…	…	Hardly comprehensible
1	2	3	4	5

Explanation

Participants rate the comprehensibility of the training on a scale of 1 to 5, indicating their understanding of the training content and delivery.

Motivation

4. How motivated are you to work with QGIS in the future?

Little motivated	…	…	…	Highly motivated
1	2	3	4	5

Explanation

Participants indicate their motivation level to work with QGIS in the future, providing insight into their enthusiasm for applying their newly acquired skills.

5. Will you use QGIS in your professional activity?

Answers
Yes
Maybe
No

Explanation

Participants indicate whether they plan to use QGIS in their professional activities, highlighting the practical relevance and applicability of the training.

6. Do feel prepared for your job requirements regarding QGIS?

Answers
Yes
Maybe
No

Explanation

Participants assess their preparedness for meeting their job requirements related to QGIS, indicating the training’s effectiveness in meeting professional needs.

7. Did the training meet your expectations?

Answers
Yes
Maybe
No

• If no, what would you like to change?

  Open Question

Explanation

Participants evaluate whether the training met their expectations, providing feedback on the alignment between their training goals and the actual training outcomes.

8. Would you like to continue QGIS-training? (yes, no, maybe)

Answers
Yes
Maybe
No

Explanation

Participants indicate their interest in continuing QGIS training, informing future training program development and participant engagement strategies.

9. If yes, what would you like to learn?

   Open Question

Explanation

Participants expressing interest in further training specify topics or skills they want to focus on, guiding future training content.

10. What did you like about the training?

    Open Question

Explanation

Participants expressing interest in further training specify topics or skills they want to focus on, guiding future training content.

11. Where do you see a need for improvement?

    Open Question

Explanation

Participants identify areas for enhancement, guiding adjustments to improve future training experiences.