Book: Evidence-Informed Learning Design by Mirjam Neelen and Paul A. Kirschner

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Evidence-Informed Learning Design: Use Evidence to Create Training Which Improves Performance by Mirjam Neelen and Paul A. Kirschner

In Evidence-Informed Learning Design, Mirjam Neelen and Paul A. Kirschner present a comprehensive guide for Learning and Development (L&D) professionals seeking to create training programs grounded in scientific research. The authors emphasize the importance of integrating evidence from learning sciences into the design process to enhance training effectiveness and improve performance outcomes. The book provides practical strategies for assessing and applying relevant scientific literature, enabling practitioners to design learning experiences that are both effective and efficient. Through real-world examples and strategic recommendations, Neelen and Kirschner equip readers with the tools to critically evaluate and implement evidence-based practices in their training initiatives.

Mirjam Neelen is the Head of Global Learning Design & Learning Sciences at Novartis, bringing over 15 years of industry experience from organizations such as T-Mobile, Google, and Accenture. She is recognized for her expertise in applying learning sciences to practical design and has co-authored publications focusing on evidence-informed approaches to learning and development.

Paul A. Kirschner is an Emeritus Professor of Educational Psychology at the Open University of the Netherlands and a Guest Professor at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Belgium. He has published nearly 400 journal articles, books, and book chapters focusing on learning, instruction, and collaborative learning.

Workplace learning professionals will find actionable value in this book through its clear guidance on applying evidence-based strategies to training design. By leveraging insights from cognitive psychology and learning sciences, instructional designers, trainers, and e-learning developers can create interventions that are more likely to result in meaningful performance improvements. The emphasis on critical evaluation of scientific literature ensures that L&D initiatives are grounded in proven methodologies, leading to more effective and efficient learning experiences within organizations.

Book: Write Better Multiple-Choice Questions to Assess Learning by Patti Shank, PhD

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Write Better Multiple-Choice Questions to Assess Learning: Measure What Matters—Evidence-Informed Tactics for Multiple-Choice Questions by Patti Shank, PhD

In Write Better Multiple-Choice Questions to Assess Learning, Patti Shank provides a comprehensive guide for crafting effective multiple-choice assessments that accurately measure learning outcomes. The book emphasizes the importance of aligning questions with well-defined learning objectives and offers evidence-based strategies to construct questions that assess not only recall but also higher-order thinking skills. Shank delves into common pitfalls in question design and provides practical solutions to avoid them, ensuring that assessments are both valid and reliable. With numerous examples, exercises, and job aids, this resource equips instructional designers and educators with the tools needed to create assessments that truly reflect learner understanding and promote meaningful learning.

Patti Shank, PhD, is an internationally recognized workplace learning expert, instructional designer, researcher, and author. 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 been consistently listed among the most influential figures in e-learning and instructional design. She has authored several notable books, such as Write and Organize for Deeper 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 designing multiple-choice questions that go beyond rote memorization. By applying Shank’s methodologies, instructional designers and trainers can develop assessments that accurately measure desired competencies, provide meaningful feedback, and drive performance improvement within organizations. The practical tools and insights offered make it an essential resource for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of workplace learning assessments.

Book: Learning Science for Instructional Designers by Clark N. Quinn

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Learning Science for Instructional Designers: From Cognition to Application by Clark N. Quinn

In Learning Science for Instructional Designers: From Cognition to Application, Clark N. Quinn distills essential principles of cognitive psychology into practical guidance for creating effective learning experiences. The book emphasizes understanding how people process information, make decisions, and apply knowledge, providing instructional designers with strategies to enhance learner engagement and retention. Quinn covers topics such as managing cognitive load, leveraging motivation, and designing for long-term retention, all aimed at aligning instructional design practices with established learning science. This resource serves as a bridge between theory and practice, offering valuable takeaways for professionals dedicated to crafting impactful learning interventions.

Clark N. Quinn is a renowned learning experience design strategist with over 30 years of experience in integrating cognitive science and technology to enhance organizational performance. He has consulted for Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, and government agencies, focusing on aligning learning strategies with how people think, work, and learn. Quinn has authored several influential books, including Millennials, Goldfish & Other Training Misconceptions: Debunking Learning Myths and Superstitions, and is a frequent speaker and blogger on topics related to learning science and instructional design. His extensive experience and commitment to evidence-based practices have established him as a thought leader in the field.

Workplace learning professionals will find actionable value in this book through its clear explanations of how to apply cognitive principles to instructional design. Quinn’s insights into managing cognitive load, fostering motivation, and ensuring knowledge transfer provide practical strategies that can be directly implemented to improve the effectiveness of training programs and learning initiatives within organizations.

Book: Learning Experience Design by Donald Clark

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Learning Experience Design: How to Create Effective Learning that Works by Donald Clark

In Learning Experience Design: How to Create Effective Learning that Works, Donald Clark offers a comprehensive guide for Learning and Development (L&D) professionals aiming to craft impactful learning experiences. The book delves into the principles of Learning Experience Design (LXD), emphasizing the importance of understanding emotion, attention, memory, engagement, and retention in the learning process. Clark provides practical advice on various aspects of learning design, including the use of text, graphics, audio, video, simulations, and emerging technologies like AR/VR. He also discusses the roles of instructional design, user experience (UX) design, and learning analytics in creating effective educational interventions. The final sections cover design thinking, blended learning, and insights into learning management systems (LMS), learning experience platforms (LXP), and learning record stores (LRS). This resource is invaluable for those seeking to enhance knowledge, skills, and performance improvement through well-designed learning experiences.

Donald Clark is a seasoned learning technology entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in online learning, simulations, virtual reality, mobile learning, and artificial intelligence projects. He was a founding member and former CEO of Epic Group plc, a leading e-learning company. Currently, he serves as the CEO of Wildfire Learning, focusing on AI-driven learning solutions. Clark is also a visiting professor at the University of Derby and a frequent global speaker, blogger, advisor, and researcher on AI in learning. His extensive experience and innovative approach have made him a prominent figure in the field of learning experience design.

Workplace learning professionals will find actionable value in this book through its evidence-based strategies and practical guidance on designing learning experiences that resonate with learners. Clark’s insights into integrating cognitive principles with modern technology provide instructional designers, trainers, and e-learning developers with the tools to create engaging and effective learning interventions that drive meaningful performance improvements in organizational settings.

Book: Ten Steps to Complex Learning by Jeroen J.G. van Merriënboer and Paul A. Kirschner

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Ten Steps to Complex Learning: A Systematic Approach to Four-Component Instructional Design by Jeroen J.G. van Merriënboer and Paul A. Kirschner

In Ten Steps to Complex Learning, Jeroen J.G. van Merriënboer and Paul A. Kirschner present a comprehensive guide to designing instruction for complex cognitive skills. The book introduces the Four-Component Instructional Design (4C/ID) model, which emphasizes integrating learning tasks, supportive information, procedural information, and part-task practice. This systematic approach aids instructional designers in creating educational programs that promote the transfer of learning to real-world situations. The authors provide practical steps, enriched with examples and case studies, to facilitate the application of the model in various educational contexts.

Jeroen J.G. van Merriënboer was a distinguished professor of Learning and Instruction at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, serving as the Research Director of the Graduate School of Health Professions Education. He published over 450 journal articles and book chapters in the fields of learning, instruction, and medical education, and supervised more than 50 PhD students.

Paul A. Kirschner is an Emeritus Professor of Educational Psychology at the Open University of the Netherlands and a Guest Professor at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Belgium. He has published nearly 400 journal articles, books, and book chapters focusing on learning, instruction, and collaborative learning.

Workplace learning professionals will find actionable value in this book through its evidence-based framework for designing training programs that address complex skills. The 4C/ID model offers practical guidance on structuring learning experiences that enhance knowledge integration and facilitate the application of skills in real-world scenarios, making it an essential resource for those aiming to improve performance outcomes in organizational settings.

Book: Talk to the Elephant by Julie Dirksen

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Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change by Julie Dirksen

In Talk to the Elephant, Julie Dirksen tackles one of the biggest challenges in workplace learning: translating knowledge into real, lasting behavior change. Drawing from behavioral science, cognitive psychology, and instructional design, she explores why traditional training often falls short when it comes to changing habits and improving workplace performance. Through engaging examples and evidence-backed strategies, Dirksen provides a roadmap for learning professionals to create interventions that address motivation, environment, and cognitive biases—helping learners make meaningful, sustained changes.

Julie Dirksen is a recognized thought leader in instructional design, specializing in the intersection of learning science and behavior change. With over 15 years of experience designing digital and in-person learning experiences, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and educational organizations. As the author of the bestselling Design for How People Learn, Dirksen has built a reputation for making complex learning principles practical and actionable. She is also the founder of Usable Learning, where she consults on designing learning solutions that drive real-world results.

Workplace learning professionals will find this book invaluable for crafting learning experiences that go beyond knowledge transfer and focus on real behavior change. Whether designing training programs, leadership development initiatives, or performance support tools, readers will gain insights into applying behavioral science principles to create learning solutions that lead to measurable, lasting impact in the workplace.

Book: Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen

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Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen

In Design for How People Learn, Julie Dirksen delves into the core principles of effective instructional design, emphasizing the importance of understanding the learner’s journey. She explores how memory, attention, and motivation influence learning, providing practical strategies to create engaging and impactful educational experiences. Dirksen’s approachable style, enriched with visual metaphors and real-world examples, makes complex cognitive psychology concepts accessible. This book serves as a comprehensive guide for professionals aiming to design learning interventions that not only inform but also inspire and facilitate lasting behavioral change.

Julie Dirksen is an independent consultant and instructional designer with over 15 years of experience creating highly interactive e-learning experiences for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to technology startups. She has been an adjunct faculty member at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where she taught courses in project management, instructional design, and cognitive psychology. Dirksen is also the author of the bestselling book, Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change, which focuses on using behavioral science to inform the design of more effective learning experiences.

Workplace learning professionals will find actionable value in this book through its evidence-based strategies for designing learning experiences that align with how people naturally learn and retain information. Dirksen’s insights into creating engaging content, leveraging cognitive principles, and applying practical design techniques empower instructional designers, trainers, and e-learning developers to craft interventions that drive meaningful performance improvements in organizational settings.

Book: The Tyranny of Metrics by Jerry Z. Muller

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In The Tyranny of Metrics, historian Jerry Z. Muller critically examines the modern obsession with quantifying performance across various sectors, including education, healthcare, business, and government. He argues that an overreliance on metrics can lead to unintended consequences, such as “gaming the stats” or “teaching to the test,” ultimately distorting the very objectives these measurements aim to assess. Muller emphasizes that while metrics can be useful tools, they should complement, not replace, human judgment and expertise. He provides a checklist for when and how to use metrics effectively, advocating for a balanced approach that recognizes the limitations of quantification.

Jerry Z. Muller is a professor of history at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. His scholarly work spans topics such as capitalism, nationalism, and the history of social, political, and economic thought. Muller’s interdisciplinary approach provides a nuanced perspective on the implications of metric fixation in contemporary society.

For workplace learning professionals, The Tyranny of Metrics offers valuable insights into the potential pitfalls of overemphasizing quantitative assessments in training and development programs. Muller’s analysis encourages educators and trainers to balance measurable outcomes with qualitative evaluations, ensuring that the focus remains on meaningful learning and skill development rather than solely on metrics. This perspective can help in designing more effective and holistic educational interventions that prioritize genuine understanding and application over numerical targets.

Book: Range by David Epstein

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Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein

In Range, David Epstein challenges the prevailing notion that early specialization is the key to success. Through extensive research and compelling narratives, he demonstrates that in complex and unpredictable fields, generalists—individuals who explore a broad array of interests and skills—are more likely to excel. Epstein contrasts the paths of early specialists, like Tiger Woods, with those of generalists, such as Roger Federer, illustrating that a diverse range of experiences can foster creativity, adaptability, and the ability to make innovative connections across disciplines. He argues that while specialization may be beneficial in certain predictable environments, the modern world’s “wicked” problems often require the broad perspective that generalists provide.

David Epstein is an American journalist and author known for his insightful exploration of science and human performance. He holds master’s degrees in environmental science and journalism from Columbia University. Epstein has worked as an investigative reporter at ProPublica and as a senior writer at Sports Illustrated, where he co-authored the story revealing Alex Rodriguez’s steroid use. His previous book, The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance, also became a New York Times bestseller.

For workplace learning professionals, Range offers valuable insights into the benefits of fostering interdisciplinary skills and encouraging employees to explore diverse interests. By promoting a culture that values breadth as well as depth, organizations can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability among their workforce. This approach can lead to more innovative solutions and a more resilient organization capable of navigating the complexities of the modern business environment.

Book: How We Learn by Stanislas Dehaene

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How We Learn: Why Brains Learn Better Than Any Machine… for Now by Stanislas Dehaene

In How We Learn, cognitive neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene delves into the brain’s remarkable capacity for learning, elucidating the mechanisms that make human learning distinct and effective. He introduces the “Four Pillars of Learning”: Attention, Active Engagement, Error Feedback, and Consolidation. Dehaene argues that these pillars are fundamental to the brain’s ability to form and refine internal models of the world, enabling us to adapt and acquire new knowledge efficiently. Through a synthesis of neuroscience, psychology, and educational research, he provides insights into optimizing learning processes, both individually and within educational systems.

Stanislas Dehaene is a prominent French cognitive neuroscientist, holding the Chair of Experimental Cognitive Psychology at the Collège de France in Paris. He also directs the INSERM-CEA Cognitive Neuroimaging Unit at NeuroSpin, France’s advanced brain imaging research center. Dehaene’s research encompasses numerical cognition, reading, and the neural correlates of consciousness. His pioneering work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Brain Prize in 2014. He is a member of several esteemed academies, such as the US National Academy of Sciences and the French Académie des Sciences.

For workplace learning professionals, How We Learn offers valuable insights into the cognitive processes that underpin effective learning. By understanding and applying Dehaene’s Four Pillars, trainers and instructional designers can develop programs that enhance attention, foster active engagement, provide constructive feedback, and facilitate consolidation of knowledge. This neuroscience-based approach can lead to more effective and enduring learning outcomes in corporate settings.