A good Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review Checklist ensures they focus on accuracy, relevance, and alignment with learning objectives, saving time for everyone involved.
SME Review Checklist Template
1. Content Accuracy
- [ ] Does the content accurately reflect current processes, policies, or procedures?
- [ ] Are all technical terms, concepts, or instructions correct?
- [ ] Is there any outdated or irrelevant information that needs to be removed or updated?
- [ ] Are examples and case studies factually accurate?
- [ ] Does the content reflect industry standards and best practices?
2. Relevance to Learners
- [ ] Does the content align with the training’s learning objectives?
- [ ] Is the content appropriate for the target audience (e.g., beginners vs. advanced learners)?
- [ ] Are the examples relatable and practical for the learners’ roles?
- [ ] Is there too much "nice-to-know" information that could be removed?
3. Clarity and Simplicity
- [ ] Is the content clear and easy to understand?
- [ ] Are complex concepts explained in simple terms or broken into smaller steps?
- [ ] Does the content avoid unnecessary jargon or technical language?
- [ ] Are instructions, processes, or steps logically ordered?
4. Engagement and Interactivity
- [ ] Are scenarios, case studies, or examples engaging and realistic?
- [ ] Do interactive elements (e.g., quizzes, drag-and-drop activities) align with the training objectives?
- [ ] Are questions in assessments clear, and do they accurately measure knowledge or skills?
- [ ] Are any suggested activities or discussions meaningful and practical?
5. Completeness
- [ ] Does the content cover all the essential topics required for the learning objectives?
- [ ] Are there any gaps in the material (e.g., missing steps, concepts, or key details)?
- [ ] Are all supporting materials (e.g., charts, diagrams, examples) included?
- [ ] Are there any placeholders or incomplete sections that need attention?
6. Consistency
- [ ] Are key terms and definitions consistent throughout the material?
- [ ] Are formatting, tone, and style consistent across modules or sections?
- [ ] Are visual elements (e.g., diagrams, charts) aligned with the text?
- [ ] Do all examples or scenarios use consistent names, roles, or terminology?
7. Technical Review (For Digital Content)
- [ ] Do all links, videos, and interactive elements work correctly?
- [ ] Are images and multimedia elements high quality and relevant?
- [ ] Is the content accessible (e.g., captions for videos, readable fonts)?
- [ ] Are SCORM or xAPI packages functioning as expected in the LMS?
8. Alignment with Organizational Goals
- [ ] Does the content align with business goals or performance metrics?
- [ ] Are policies, standards, or procedures unique to the organization accurately represented?
- [ ] Does the training align with the company’s culture and values?
9. Grammar and Language Review?
- [ ] Are grammar, spelling, and punctuation correct?
- [ ] Is the tone professional, friendly, and appropriate for the audience?
- [ ] Is the text free of unnecessary repetition?
10. Feedback for Improvement
- [ ] Are there any additional examples, diagrams, or details that could improve understanding?
- [ ] Do you have suggestions for improving engagement or interactivity?
- [ ] Are there any additional tools, resources, or references that should be included?
- [ ] Do you have any concerns about the content that should be addressed?
SME Review Process Tips
- Provide Context for the Review
- Share learning objectives and the target audience so SMEs understand the purpose of the training.
-
Example: "This course is designed for new employees to learn basic workplace safety protocols."
-
Break It Down
-
Don’t overwhelm SMEs with large chunks of content. Assign small sections or modules for review at a time.
-
Set Clear Deadlines
-
Communicate timelines to keep the review process on track (e.g., "Please review and return by [Date]").?
-
Provide Tools or Templates
-
Use collaboration tools like Google Docs (with comment features) or platforms like Articulate Review 360 to centralize feedback.
-
Follow Up on Feedback
- After receiving SME feedback, schedule a short meeting to clarify questions or conflicting comments.
SME Review Checklist Example (Quick Version)
| Category | Questions to Ask |
|---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Accuracy | Is the content technically correct? Are examples and data up-to-date? |
| Relevance | Does the content align with learning objectives? Is it tailored to the audience? |
| Clarity | Are the instructions or explanations easy to follow? Is jargon minimized? |
| Completeness | Are any steps, concepts, or sections missing? Is the material thorough? |
| Engagement | Are interactive elements or quizzes meaningful? Are scenarios realistic? |
| Consistency | Are terms, formatting, and visuals consistent throughout the material? |
| Technical Review | Do links, videos, and interactive features work? Is the material mobile-friendly? |
| Grammar/Language | Is the text grammatically correct and free of typos? |
| Suggestions | What improvements can be made? Are additional examples or visuals needed? |
Tools for SME Reviews
- Google Docs/Word: For collaborative editing and commenting.
- Articulate Review 360: Allows SMEs to review eLearning courses and add comments directly to slides.
- PDF Review Tools: Adobe Acrobat for annotating and commenting on PDFs.
- Project Management Tools: Asana, Trello, or Monday.com to track SME feedback tasks and deadlines.
By providing SMEs with this structured checklist, you’ll streamline the review process, ensure high-quality content, and save time for everyone involved!