A few years ago, I wrote a blog post where I shared 5 books every eLearning professional should read. I still stand by those suggestions but I’m adding this new selection for all learning professionals. The reason I’ve selected each of these books is because they’ve contributed to the evolution of the way I work.
Here they are in no particular order:
Innovative Performance Support by Conrad Gottfredson and Bob Mosher
This book first introduced me to the five moments of learning need: New (learning something for the first time), More (expanding learning), Apply (when actually doing something), Solve (when problems arise) and Change (when learning a new way of doing something).
Gottfredson and Mosher also provide lots of ideas on performance support resources appropriate for each need. This book expanded my thinking beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and to consider different learning needs at different times.
Practice and Feedback for Deeper Learning by Patti Shank
One of the great things about Patti Shank is her evidence-based approach to learning. This book has five strategies and 26 tactics based on research that are proven to promote deeper learning and application form instruction.
Millennials, Goldfish & Other Training Misconceptions by Clark Quinn
I didn’t realise how many myths and superstitions existed within the learning field. In this book, Quinn outlines each claim as well as a counter argument (based on evidence) and what to do when you’re confronted with one of these myths and superstitions.
Driving Performance Through Learning by Andy Lancaster
This is a terrific book that spans all activities and roles of modern Learning and Development teams. It covers everything from diagnosing needs, performance consulting, using data to track impact, leveraging technology, facilitation, social collaboration, curating content, coaching and supporting a more self-directed learning approach. There’s also lots of references so you can dig deeper.
Design Thinking for Training and Development by Sharon Boller and Laura Fletcher
This is my most recent purchase and I was keen to get my hands on a copy as soon as it came out. I only came across human-centred design or design thinking a couple of years ago. This is the first book that I know of where the techniques have been adapted and applied to creating learning experiences.
This book has clear explanations and actionable ideas that I now use to scope, design and deliver solutions to address workplace performance problems.
