Evaluating the effectiveness of learning Several years ago, I was actively banging my head against the same wall that has given countless other learning professionals headaches—that wall manifested itself as the seemingly simple question: How do I evaluate the effectiveness of learning activities? This short article will not answer that question—at least not directly or … More Learn ~ Apply ~ Achieve
I enjoy watching professional sports and attending a good improvisational comedy show. Seeing people perform and entertain at a high level is inspiring and thrilling, and it’s a great way to spend a few hours on the weekend. On the other hand, watching a group of 6-year olds play soccer or inexperienced improv actors try … More Lessons from Sports and Comedy for the Workplace
Recently, I was asked to be a guest on BizLibrary’s Podcast. The episode is called “Understanding Learning Retention,” and we did discuss learning retention theory and approaches. But I also highlighted the importance of linking learning to change in the workplace to achieve results. It was a fun 30-minute discussion, and a good preview of … More Connecting Effective Learning to Workplace Results (Podcast)
Aha! A recent ‘aha moment’ occurred while reading a 2003 article by Richard Mayer on reducing cognitive load in multi-media presentations[1]. I found the article to provide useful and evidence-based explanations for making PowerPoint and other visual aids more effective at supporting learning. But the real ‘aha’ came when I saw a version of the … More The Role of Prior Knowledge in L&D
For those of us who work in training or learning or performance support, we often discuss ways to make things ‘better.’ We explore needs analysis, teaching and learning approaches, and evaluation. We get excited and even distracted by microlearning, xAPI, neuroscience, video, learning analytics, personalized learning, and a host of other shiny concepts that probably … More Change as the centerpiece to learning
To say that data is important for good decision making is not breaking news. In fact, Sherlock Holmes is ‘credited’ with saying: “It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.” These days, the influence of data is all around us. Articles on or referencing data appear in my newsfeed daily. Software is … More Demystifying Data
I recently attended a training-of-trainers workshop for International Youth Foundation’s excellent Passport to Success life skills program. The final activity brought trainers and participants into a circle for each of us to share one thing we learned and one thing we appreciated about the group. As we shared our thoughts, we held a ball of … More To Learn and To Appreciate
Last month, I was fortunate to present at the National Council of Nonprofits Confab 2019 conference. I was invited to share ideas from the ebook I wrote last year with Nancy Bacon: Conferences that Make a Difference. More than two dozen state association professionals participated in the session—each of whom reach hundreds of nonprofit learners … More At the Intersection of Strategic Planning and Effective Learning for Conferences
It’s a lazy Saturday afternoon in Kiev. I’m running a low grade fever and struggling to get through a persistent case of jet lag. I’m also counting down my final weeks in Ukraine, so it’s a good opportunity to reflect and share some thoughts and photos. Enjoy the third of three blog entries on this … More A Good Day to Blog Hard…Pt. 3: Photos from Ukraine
It’s a lazy Saturday afternoon in Kiev. I’m running a low grade fever and struggling to get through a persistent case of jet lag. I’m also counting down my final weeks in Ukraine, so it’s a good opportunity to reflect and share some thoughts and photos. Enjoy the second of three blog entries on this … More A Good Day to Blog Hard…Pt. 2: 10 kilometers in Beregovo
