When talking with people about workplace learning and performance improvement, I’ve often been asked what books I would recommend for someone who wants to learn more about this profession. So, here’s my list of recommended books on workplace learning and performance improvement.
- ASTD Training and Development Handbook: A Guide to Human Resource Development edited by Robert Craig
- Evaluating Training Programs: The Four Levels by Donald Kirkpatrick
- Games Trainers Play (any in this series of books by Edward Scannell and John Newstrom)
- Handbook of Job Aids by Allison Rossett and Jeannette Gautier-Downes
- Mager Six-Pack by Robert Mager (includes Analyzing Performance Problems, Preparing Instructional Objectives, Measuring Instructional Results, How to Turn Learners On…without turning them off, Goal Analysis, and Making Instruction Work)
- Performance Consulting by Dana and James Robinson
- Principles of Instructional Design by Robert Gagne, Walter Wager, Katherine Golas, and John Keller
- Sivasailam "Thiagi" Thiagarajan books for creative activity ideas (most recently Thiagi's 100 Favorite Games)
- Training Needs Assessment by Allison Rossett
For elearning in particular:
- Advanced Web-Based Training Strategies by Margaret Driscoll
- Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability by Steve Krug
- Elements of User Interface Design by Theo Mandel
- Learning by Doing: A Comprehensive Guide to Simulations, Computer Games, and Pedagogy in e-Learning and Other Educational Experiences by Clark Aldrich
- Michael Allen’s Guide to elearning
- Designing Web-Based Training: How to Teach Anyone Anything Anywhere Anytime by William Horton
- Web-Based Training: Designing e-Learning Experiences by Margaret Driscoll
And here are some excellent book recommendations that were originally recommended to me by my good friend and colleague Jule Kucera:
- Accelerated Learning Handbook: A Creative Guide to Designing and Delivering Faster, More Effective Training Programs by Dave Meier
- Informal Learning: Rediscovering the Natural Pathways That Inspire Innovation and Performance by Jay Cross
- Six Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning: How to Turn Training and Development Into Business Results by Calhoun Wick, Roy Pollock, Andrew McK. Jefferson, Richard Flanagan, and Kevin Wilde
- So Each May Learn: Integrating Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences by Harvey Silver, Richard Strong, and Matthew Perini
- Telling Ain't Training by Harold Stolovitch
I hope these lists help you to find a new book you may not have heard of before. I’m always reading through new books, so would love to hear what you have on your bookshelf!
- Robin
Copyright Robin Donnan 2007. All Rights Reserved.
Performance Associates, Inc.
