Book: Write and Organize for Deeper Learning by Patti Shank, PhD

Write and Organize for Deeper Learning: 28 Evidence-Based and Easy-to-Apply Tactics That Will Make Your Instruction Better for Learning by Patti Shank, PhD

In Write and Organize for Deeper Learning, Patti Shank offers a practical guide for instructional designers and educators aiming to enhance the effectiveness of their learning materials. The book presents four key strategies: understanding the audience’s needs, writing for clarity, making text readable and legible, and organizing content for memory and use. Within these strategies, Shank outlines 28 evidence-based tactics, providing actionable steps to improve instructional writing. Each tactic is accompanied by examples, checklists, and job aids, making it easy for practitioners to apply these principles to their own work. This resource is designed to help create instructional content that is not only informative but also engaging and conducive to deeper learning.

Patti Shank, PhD, is an internationally recognized workplace learning expert, instructional designer, researcher, and author. She has been cited as one of the most influential people in evidence-informed instructional design. With a PhD from the University of Colorado, Denver, her research on online learners has received accolades, including an EDMEDIA best research paper award. Shank has authored several notable books, such as Write Better Multiple-Choice Questions to Assess Learning and Manage Memory for Deeper Learning, which focus on evidence-based tactics to enhance instructional effectiveness. Beyond writing, she facilitates online courses aimed at improving assessment design and learning outcomes.

Workplace learning professionals will find actionable value in this book through its clear, research-backed guidance on crafting instructional content that promotes deeper learning. By applying Shank’s strategies and tactics, instructional designers, trainers, and e-learning developers can create materials that are more accessible, engaging, and effective, leading to improved learner retention and performance outcomes. The practical tools and insights offered make it an essential resource for enhancing the quality and impact of workplace learning initiatives.