The Myth of Level 3: Why Behavior Change Evaluation Isn't as Hard as You Think

"Level 3 evaluation is just too much work." How many times have you heard that? Or maybe even thought it yourself? In this episode of The Kirkpatrick Podcast, I'm breaking down the myth that Level 3 (behavior change) evaluation has to be complicated, overwhelming, or resource-draining. Spoiler alert: it doesn't. I share a recent conversation I had with someone new to instructional design who was convinced that Level 3 sounded impossible. But the reality is that with the right mindset, partnerships, and tools, you can automate and streamline much of the process—while still collecting powerful data that drives business results. At Kirkpatrick Partners, we've been experimenting with tech partners like trevato and Knowly that make evaluation feel more like a "set it and forget it" crockpot than a never-ending manual task list. These tools can send surveys automatically, nudge managers to support learners, and even provide predictive insights about what your programs need next. And the best part? You don't have to start big. Even a simple, bootstrapped pilot can give you data to prove ROI and make the case for investment in smarter solutions. Because here's the truth: Level 3 evaluation isn't just about measuring behavior change. It's about: Staying connected with learners long after a program ends Building trust with business leaders through proactive insights Spotting pain points in your content and fixing them before they become problems Using data to shift from order-taker to strategic business partner Freeing up time and energy so you can focus on impact, not admin work You don't need a perfect system or a giant platform to get started. What you need is the willingness to take one small step—then build from there. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or skeptical about Level 3 evaluation, this episode will give you practical ideas (and maybe a little confidence boost) to try something new. 🎧 Tune in now—and let's start working smarter, not harder. 👉 Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and check out our Kirkpatrick certification programs if you're ready to deepen your evaluation expertise.   Learn more about the Kirkpatrick Model Watch the Show on YouTube! Submit your Questions/Stories: Do you have a question you would like us to answer on the Kirkpatrick Podcast? Have a story about how the Kirkpatrick Podcast or other Kirkpatrick events/programs have positively impacted your career? We would love to hear from you! Follow this link to submit your questions and/or stories, and we may just share them on the next episode of the Kirkpatrick Podcast.