Impacts

Academic Assessments

Each Center site evaluates education plans and participant impact semi-annually using the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model across three levels: Reaction, Learning, and Outcomes.

Level 01

Reaction

What students thought and felt about the training.

Level 02

Learning

The resulting increase in knowledge or capability.

Level 03

Outcomes

Behavior change, capability improvement, and institutional impact resulting from trainee performance.

The Education/Outreach coordinator consolidates site data and conducts internal reviews semi-annually with input from the Academic Advisory Board (AAB). The AAB compiles an annual assessment report and convenes a Center-wide review meeting. Longitudinal analyses use annual datasets from each partner university.

Center Directors and Evaluator develop shared instruments and common rubrics so that surveys, interviews, and course-embedded assessments are comparable across sites. The process includes pre/post semester surveys and post-implementation reviews for new programs.

Graduates engaged in BRAIN activities are invited to report career outcomes and reflect on skill development to inform continuous improvement. Students also participate in a mandatory course on Ethics in Science and Engineering.