Feedback forms for training sessions

Feedback forms for training sessions are essential tools to gather insights from participants, improve future sessions, and ensure a high-quality learning experience. By using Power Pages (part of Microsoft Power Platform), you can easily create dynamic, secure, and interactive feedback forms that allow trainees to provide real-time input on their learning experience.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create feedback forms for training sessions using Power Pages, from creating the form to processing the feedback effectively.

Key Features for a Training Feedback Form

Rating Scales (e.g., 1-5 for satisfaction)
Open Text Fields (for qualitative feedback)
Conditional Questions (based on previous answers)
Multiple Choice (for specific insights)
Data Validation (to ensure meaningful responses)
Submission Confirmation (thank you message or follow-up)

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Feedback Form

Step 1: Create the Dataverse Table for Feedback Data

First, you’ll need a Dataverse table to store feedback data. This table will collect responses from participants.

Go to Power Apps → Dataverse → Tables.
Click New Table, and create a table called Training Feedback.
Add necessary columns, such as:
- Participant Name
- Training Session
- Rating (1-5)
- Trainer Feedback (Open Text)
- Session Content Feedback (Rating or Open Text)
- Suggestions (Open Text)
- Date Submitted

Step 2: Design the Feedback Form in Power Pages

Go to Power Pages Studio and select the site where you want to create the form.
Choose the page where you want the form (or create a new page like “Feedback”).
Add a Form Component to your page.
- Use Microsoft Dataverse Forms to automatically create a form that connects to the Training Feedback table.
- Customize the form fields according to the questions you want to ask.

For example:

Rating Question:
- Field: Rating
- Control Type: Dropdown or Star Rating
- Choices: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Open Text Question:
- Field: Trainer Feedback
- Control Type: Textbox (multi-line)

Customize each field:
- Add labels like “Rate the Training Session” and “What did you like most about the session?”
- Make fields required where appropriate.
- Optionally, use conditional visibility for follow-up questions based on responses.

Step 3: Add Conditional Logic (Optional)

To create a dynamic feedback experience:

Use Liquid Templates to show or hide certain fields based on previous responses.
Example:
- If a participant rates the session less than 3, show a question like: “What can we improve for future sessions?”
- For ratings of 4 or 5, ask: “What did you enjoy the most?”

This ensures a more tailored feedback form based on user input.

Step 4: Add Submission Button

Once the form is designed and connected to the Dataverse table:

Add a Submit Button at the bottom of the form.
Configure it to trigger the submission of the feedback.
- Use Power Automate to send notifications to the instructor or the admin when a form is submitted, or to confirm successful submission to the user.

Step 5: Design a Thank You Page or Message

After submitting the feedback, participants should see a confirmation message or be redirected to a “Thank You” page.

Create a new page called Thank You or simply display a confirmation message.
Example: “Thank you for your feedback! We appreciate your input and will use it to improve future training sessions.”

This provides a sense of closure to the participants and acknowledges their contribution.

Step 6: Test the Form

Before going live, make sure to test the form:

Submit sample feedback to ensure all fields are being collected properly.
Check data flow from the form to the Dataverse table.
Verify permissions to ensure only authorized users can access or submit the form.

Step 7: Monitor and Analyze Feedback

Once feedback is being submitted, you can analyze it:

Access Dataverse: Go to the Training Feedback table to view all responses.
Use Power BI: Create a dashboard to visualize the feedback data, including ratings, common suggestions, and trends.
Power Automate: Set up flows to send automated reports to the instructor or admin about session performance or feedback analysis.

Advanced Features to Enhance Feedback Forms

1. Survey Integrations

You can use tools like Microsoft Forms and embed them into your Power Pages site to simplify survey creation and collection. Microsoft Forms can be easily integrated, and you can use Power Automate to route the collected data into Dataverse for analysis.

2. Real-Time Analysis with Power BI

By connecting your Dataverse Feedback table with Power BI, you can set up real-time data visualizations that allow you to track trends and see how training sessions are being perceived over time.

Example charts:

Pie charts showing average satisfaction scores
Bar graphs for common suggestions
Line charts for feedback over time

3. Email Confirmation for Users

With Power Automate, you can send automatic email confirmations to participants upon feedback submission, thanking them for their time and providing additional resources if needed.

Best Practices for Training Feedback Forms

Keep Questions Clear and Focused: Avoid overwhelming participants with too many questions. Focus on key areas like session content, instructor performance, and suggestions for improvement.
Make Feedback Anonymous: Ensure users can provide candid feedback by making responses anonymous, if possible.
Use Scales for Quantitative Feedback: Use ratings (1-5) to allow for measurable feedback. This helps in analysis and trend tracking.
Ensure Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure that the feedback form is fully responsive and works well on mobile devices.
Act on the Feedback: Share results with stakeholders and, most importantly, let participants know that their feedback is being used to improve future sessions.