Posted by Origin Learning mourns the loss of a great innovator
Dr. Donald Kirkpatrick is one of those few people that have achieved eternity by virtue of their contribution. A professor emeritus at University of Wisconsin and the creator of the Kirkpatrick Four-level Evaluation Model, Dr. Kirkpatrick passed away on May 9, 2014 at the age of 90. He was a pioneer in corporate training effectiveness evaluation, and his model is still an industry standard for measuring the impact of training programs.
Being a past President of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), it seems he just lived enough to see the society meliorate into its new form- Association for Talent Development (ATD). ASTD honored him with the “Lifetime Achievement in Workplace Learning and Performance,” and Training Magazine included him in the HRD Hall of Fame. Dr. Kirkpatrick was the keynote and featured speaker at many events in the world of workplace learning. He recently reflected on his legacy in a thought-provoking post on the Kirkpatrick Partners blog. He was also the author of eight books and many articles. Such is the legacy of his work that anyone and everyone who has experience in instructional designing or managing can almost mechanically recite the four levels of his model: Reaction, Learning, Behavior, Results.
The training and learning industry world over is mourning the loss of this distinguished soul that has become timeless by impacting the lives of almost a whole planet. Origin Learning too expresses its deepest sorrows on his demise. However, Dr. Donald Kirkpatrick shall live with us in essence and spirit. May his soul rest in peace.