Book: Telling Training’s Story by Robert O. Brinkerhoff

Telling Training’s Story: Evaluation Made Simple, Credible, and Effective by Robert O. Brinkerhoff

In Telling Training’s Story, Robert O. Brinkerhoff introduces the Success Case Method (SCM), a straightforward and effective approach for evaluating the impact of training programs. SCM focuses on identifying and analyzing instances where training has led to significant performance improvements, providing concrete evidence of its effectiveness. The book offers practical guidance on implementing SCM, including real-world examples, tools, and checklists, enabling organizations to assess and communicate the value of their training initiatives confidently.

Robert O. Brinkerhoff is an internationally recognized expert in evaluation and training effectiveness. He has provided consultation to numerous major companies and organizations across various sectors, including corporate, government, and non-profit. Brinkerhoff earned his doctorate at the University of Virginia in program evaluation and has served as a professor of Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University, where he coordinated graduate programs in human resource development. He is also a principal consultant and alliance partner with Advantage Performance Group, focusing on enhancing training impact through effective evaluation methods.

Workplace learning professionals will find actionable value in this book through its clear, research-backed guidance on evaluating training programs. By applying the Success Case Method, instructional designers and trainers can identify successful training applications, understand the factors contributing to their success, and leverage these insights to improve future learning interventions. This approach not only demonstrates the tangible benefits of training but also provides a framework for continuous improvement in learning and development initiatives.