The optimization of training courses is a major challenge in skills development. But to create personalized learning paths that meet the needs of your learners, you need to know their initial knowledge. And for that, there is the “Input positioning balance” or the “positioning test”. It is an essential and very powerful tool for carrying out the initial diagnosis of your learners.
In this article, we will explore in depth the fundamental role of this assessment, highlight its purpose, its implementation, and its benefits for both learners and trainers. Let's go!
What is a positioning test?
What is the positioning test for?
The input assessment and positioning tool corresponds to the initial diagnosis of learners before they start a vocational training. Its aim is to provide a structured framework for assessing learners' skills according to the objectives of the training. This assessment provides a clear vision of learners' pre-existing skills and facilitates the development of adapted teaching strategies.
The positioning test is of paramount importance in the field of skills development. It is not limited not just a skills assessment current. It also determines the success of the learner's professional development and influences the overall effectiveness of a training program.
A major advantage for trainers
The initial assessment and positioning offers numerous advantages for trainers. It allows to optimize the training course before it is launched, and to adapt it to the needs of the learner. Learners have a clear vision of where they started, while trainers can adjust their methods to maximize the effectiveness of teaching.
But the positioning test also allows the trainer to:
- Form groups of balanced levels.
- Becoming aware of Level diversity training participants.
- Continue training progressively depending on the pupils/apprentices (start of training, intermediate level, end of training).
- Adapt the individual courses depending on the difficulty level of each participant.
His interest is increased tenfold when he is coupled with end-of-course evaluations. Training managers can then assess the effectiveness of the proposed courses and readjust them regularly.
This test ultimately aims to create the most complete catalog of training courses possible. It can be part of a quality approach (Qualiopi) and is generally carried out using OfAn LMS (“Learning Management System”).
A pillar of personalization for learners
For the learner too, the advantages are numerous! The positioning test in training aims to identify their level before the start of the training professional. Through an evaluation questionnaire, employees recognize and highlight their current skills.
The balance-positioning can then become A technique of personalization of training. By understanding the level of each learner, courses can be adapted to maximize training effectiveness. Trainers can even stagger learning to maximize understanding of certain key concepts.
How the positioning test works
Completely free, the positioning test assesses the experiences and skills of individuals before they start training. Often offered in the form of a PDF document, an online quiz or directly on the company's LMS, it is quite short and questions the learner's knowledge.
It is generally presented as A “mini Skills assessment“ specific to training. It also has some similarities with a thorough assessment of professional skills. This test is carried out by the training provider or the trainer himself. It takes place online, or within the company, and can take different forms depending on the profile, educational objectives and the training envisaged.
The final objective of the positioning test is to determine if the course chosen corresponds to the candidate's profile, to his needs and to his educational project. It also aims to individualize training courses, by adjusting the duration and the content according to the level of each learner.
How to test positioning
The steps for creating the positioning test
Positioning, as a key step at the start of any training journey, is based on fundamental principles. Beyond the initial assessment, it requires a thorough understanding of needs of learners.
Before developing your positioning test, make sure you have followed the following steps:
- Consider the content of the test: On what criteria do you want to assess learners? Which educational goals should you aim? What are the needs of the teams and the company?
- Structuring the test: organize the test according to specific themes (general knowledge, technical skills, etc.) so that it follows a certain logic.
- Test and adjust : do not hesitate to ask for feedback from learners on the content of your positioning test. If you can, observe them as they complete the test so you can adjust your content later.
- Examine the results : you can now assess the achievements of your future learners. Format the results using graphs, tables, or charts. This will give you better insight and more perspective on the overall results.
Quiz, individual interview, simulation: what form should the positioning test take?
The positioning test can take any type of form: Paper multiple choice questions, online quizzes, individual interviews... There is no rule on this subject. However, be sure to adapt the format you choose for developing your positioning test according to the number of learners and the resources at your disposal.
For our part, we you do not recommend using paper-based tests : collecting and analyzing information will be very time-consuming (especially in a large company). Prefer an online test via your LMS.
But before creating this type of questionnaire, take some time to think about your frame of reference. This will allow you to know what type and how many questions you want to ask your future learners. Conducting a positioning test can take time and energy for learners, so be sure to select the most important topics.
For greater impact, you can also incorporate specific assessment situations into your positioning process: scenarios, practical cases... They are very useful for testing the learner's skills in a “semi-real” situation.
How to analyze learner positioning tests?
Analysis of the results is based on the repository previously defined by the trainer. This framework is determined according to the educational objectives of the training, the challenges of the company and the needs of the learners.
It is then essential to align your future training path with this framework. The training objectives, contents and methods must be adjusted according to this framework and the responses of the learners.
For a better analysis of the results, do not hesitate to generate charts or graphs. A visual representation is always more meaningful than a raw database.
Integration of technological tools: the digital path
LMS (or learning management system) allow you to create balance sheets easily and for all your learners. These tools have largely developed since the democratization of online training and MOOCs.
However, be careful to choose the platform that will meet your challenges and needs. Choosing an LMS is not to be taken lightly, and there are many factors to take into account.
To find out more about choosing your future LMS, go to this article: Choosing the right LMS for your business: the complete guide.
How to personalize training courses according to the results of the positioning test?
It exists different personalization methods and Adaptation of training. First, you can stagger the levels of your modules and training paths. In this way, you will be able to offer different content depending on the initial level of the learner.
You also have the option to create Of gamified training path on LMS platforms. These courses will allow the learner to evolve at their own pace, on concepts that they have chosen themselves and in a fun way. Suggestions may be made to him based on the modules he has completed. Self-training is also strongly encouraged in a personalized training course.
Finally, do not hesitate to complete the positioning test through a personality test. These tests will give you a general idea of the type of learner you need to train. The results will allow you, for example, to know if you should prefer distance learning, face-to-face training or In blended learning.
What you need to remember:
- The positioning test is offered to the learner before starting a corporate training course.
- It allows the trainer to adapt his training course (if necessary) and to have a global view of the teams he will have to form.
- The learner, on the other hand, will have an assessment of his skills and the evolution he can hope for through the training.
