LTEM

The Learning-Transfer Evaluation Model

LTEM is a revolutionary evaluation model, inspired by learning research, specifically designed to help organizations get feedback to build more effective learning interventions and validate learning results.

LTEM is an improvement over other evaluation frameworks. For example, in comparison to the Kirkpatrick-Katzell Four-Level Model, LTEM adds specificity in regards to learning outcomes. Where the Four-Level model crammed all learning into one bucket, LTEM differentiates between knowledge, decision-making, and task performance—enabling learning teams to target more meaningful learning outcomes. In short, LTEM has learning wisdom baked into it.

The new Version 13 LTEM framework was released recently on October 31, 2024. Will Thalheimer facilitated an online “reveal” session. You can review the recording of that session here. It briefly describes LTEM and the improvements from LTEM Version 12 to Version 13.

LTEM has eight tiers. The lower tiers represent methods that are inadequate to validate our learning success. The top half of LTEM represents metrics that can be used to validate our efforts to create learning transfer.

LTEM—the model itself—is depicted on one page, and a second page is added to provide helpful hints about how to use LTEM.

A 52-page report accompanies LTEM: The Learning-Transfer Evaluation Model: Sending Messages and Nudging Evidence-Informed Thinking to Enable Learning Effectiveness. The report explains the rationale for LTEM and describes why LTEM is an exponential improvement over previous frameworks. The report also describes the limitations of other frameworks, focusing attention on the strengths and weaknesses of the Kirkpatrick-Katzell Four-Level Model of evaluation. The report also acknowledges the efforts of the learning and learning-evaluation experts who provided feedback to improve the model. Finally, the report provides a list of principles that learning-evaluation models should emulate and describes 16 ways that LTEM can be used to support our learning-and-development efforts.

Share Your LTEM Story

Want to Share Your LTEM Story?

I am gathering LTEM stories to capture lessons learned so I can share best practices with the learning-and-development field.

If you have used LTEM, or have considered adopting it, I invite you to share your story below.

Get Help with LTEM

Enroll in the LTEM Boot Camp

The LTEM Boot Camp is the world’s preeminent workshop on LTEM and learning evaluation. Participants learn about LTEM and how it’s being used to improve learning evaluation and learning design and development. In addition, the Boot Camp looks at critical learning-evaluation fundamentals, performance-focused learner surveys, scenario questions, evaluation designs, and so much more. This is truly a one-of-a-kind learning experience–not to be missed if your job involves learning evaluation.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the LTEM Boot Camp.

Discuss LTEM and Learning Evaluation with Will Thalheimer.

Schedule an online meeting with Will Thalheimer to discuss how he can help your organization use LTEM, conduct a learning-evaluation study, build a performance-focused learner survey, upskill your team in learning evaluation, or partner to build a learning-evaluation strategy. Will is also available for speaking engagements, workshops, and webinars.

Will Thalheimer can help with the following:

  • Performance-focused learner surveys.
  • Knowledge questions.
  • Scenario questions.
  • Performance checklists.
  • Analysis of KBIs (Key Behavior Indicators).
  • Analysis of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
  • Analysis of ROI (Return on Investment).
  • Development of a Learning-Evaluation Strategy.
  • Development of a Learning Strategy.
  • LTEM Opportunity Brainstorming.

USE THE CALENDAR BELOW to Schedule a Meeting with Will.

Download LTEM

How to Get Your Downloads:

Complete the form below to get your downloads of LTEM, of the LTEM Diagram, and the 52-page LTEM Report.