Has the new Kirkpatrick generation built a better hammer for our evaluation toolbox?

Abstract

Although Kirkpatrick's original outcome-focused model is widely used to evaluate medical education programs, it is subject to criticism. To combat this criticism and address the complexities of learning environments, the New World Kirkpatrick Model has emerged. This brief article describes key aspects of the New World Kirkpatrick Model for program evaluation. Specifically, it highlights three major criticisms of Kirkpatrick's original model and discusses the ways in which this new model attempts to rebut them. By doing so, this article hopes to encourage medical teachers to try the New World Kirkpatrick Model in the evaluation of their complex educational programs and investigate its strengths and weaknesses.