Five indicators of failure suggest mistakes in program design or delivery: aborted planning, insufficient enrollment, negative reactions, unattained objectives, and incomplete transfer of learning. Learning from these mistakes requires deliberate reflection and systematic analysis. (SK)

Four types of program failure are (1) termination before implementing a planned program; (2) insufficient enrollment; (3) failure to meet participant expectations; and (4) failure to achieve objectives. Speculations about probable causes of failure can lead to principles for improving practice and to theories about program failure. (SK)