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

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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.

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: Measure What Matters by John Doerr

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In Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs, John Doerr introduces the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), a goal-setting framework designed to enhance organizational focus, alignment, and execution. Doerr illustrates how OKRs have been instrumental in the success of tech giants like Intel and Google, as well as non-profits such as the Gates Foundation and U2’s Bono’s initiatives. The book emphasizes the importance of setting clear, ambitious objectives and defining measurable key results to track progress, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.

John Doerr is an engineer, acclaimed venture capitalist, and the chairman of Kleiner Perkins. He was an original investor and board member at Google and Amazon, helping to create more than half a million jobs and the world’s second and third most valuable companies. Doerr has been a strong advocate for OKRs, introducing the framework to numerous organizations to drive growth and innovation.

For workplace learning professionals, Measure What Matters offers valuable insights into implementing OKRs to enhance training and development programs. By establishing clear objectives and measurable key results, organizations can better align their learning initiatives with strategic goals, track progress effectively, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

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: The Data Detective by Tim Harford

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The Data Detective: Ten Easy Rules to Make Sense of Statistics by Tim Harford

In The Data Detective: Ten Easy Rules to Make Sense of Statistics, Tim Harford offers a compelling guide to understanding and interpreting data in our information-rich world. He presents ten practical rules designed to help readers navigate the complexities of statistics, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, context, and critical thinking. Through engaging narratives and real-world examples, Harford demonstrates how to approach data thoughtfully, recognize biases, and make informed decisions. This book serves as an essential resource for anyone looking to enhance their statistical literacy and apply it effectively in daily life.

Tim Harford is a renowned economist, journalist, and broadcaster, celebrated for his ability to distill complex economic concepts into accessible and engaging narratives. He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Undercover Economist and Messy: The Power of Disorder to Transform Our Lives. Harford writes the long-running “Undercover Economist” column for the Financial Times and hosts the BBC Radio 4 program More or Less, which explores the statistics and numbers that underpin everyday life. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including an OBE for services to improving economic understanding.

For workplace learning professionals, The Data Detective offers invaluable insights into effectively interpreting and communicating data. By adopting Harford’s ten rules, trainers and instructional designers can develop materials that foster critical thinking and data literacy among employees. This approach not only enhances decision-making skills but also empowers learners to engage with data more confidently, leading to more informed and effective actions within the organization.

Book: Making Numbers Count by Chip Heath and Karla Starr

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Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of Communicating Numbers by Chip Heath and Karla Starr

In Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of Communicating Numbers, Chip Heath and Karla Starr present a practical guide to effectively conveying numerical information. Recognizing that humans often struggle to grasp large or abstract numbers, the authors offer strategies to translate data into relatable and impactful messages. Through vivid examples and actionable principles, they demonstrate how to make numbers resonate with audiences, enhancing comprehension and retention. This book is an essential resource for anyone looking to improve their numerical communication skills.

Chip Heath is a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he teaches courses on business strategy and organizations. He has co-authored several bestselling books, including Made to Stick, Switch, and The Power of Moments, which have been translated into multiple languages and have sold over three million copies worldwide. His work focuses on making ideas stick and understanding the principles of effective communication.

Karla Starr is a science journalist whose work has appeared in The Atlantic, Slate, and Popular Science. She has a keen interest in the psychology of human behavior and decision-making. Her first book, Can You Learn to Be Lucky?, explores the science behind luck and success. Starr’s writing is known for making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging to a broad audience.

For workplace learning professionals, Making Numbers Count offers valuable insights into presenting data in ways that enhance understanding and engagement. By applying the authors’ principles, trainers and instructional designers can create more effective learning materials that communicate numerical information clearly and memorably, thereby improving learners’ ability to apply data-driven insights in their roles.

Book: Creepy Analytics by Salvatore V. Falletta

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Creepy Analytics: Avoid Crossing the Line and Establish Ethical HR Analytics for Smarter Workforce Decisions by Salvatore V. Falletta

In Creepy Analytics, Dr. Salvatore V. Falletta addresses the ethical challenges inherent in human resources analytics. He provides a comprehensive, step-by-step framework for developing HR analytics systems that respect employee privacy while delivering organizational value. By redefining HR analytics, identifying stakeholder needs, transforming data responsibly, and communicating insights effectively, Falletta guides professionals to establish ethical practices that prevent the misuse of personal information. This resource is essential for organizations aiming to leverage data without compromising ethical standards.

Dr. Salvatore V. Falletta is a Clinical Professor of Human Resource Leadership and Organizational Science at Drexel University, where he also directs the Human Resource Development program. As a Distinguished Principal Research Fellow at The Conference Board, he collaborates on research in HR strategy and ethical analytics. With executive experience as a former Chief HR Officer and Head of Global HR Research and Analytics at Intel, Falletta brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his academic and consulting roles.

For workplace learning professionals, Creepy Analytics offers actionable insights into integrating ethical considerations into HR analytics. By adopting Falletta’s methodologies, practitioners can design data-driven learning initiatives that uphold ethical standards, fostering trust and transparency within their organizations.

Will’s Note: Falletta brings a ton of wisdom and experience to this topic. He knows HR Analytics. He knows who is doing the best work on it, and makes nice recommendations of books to read and other resources. I found his first four chapters to be very useful and filled with general wisdom useful to all of us interested in measuring our learning-and-development and performance-improvement efforts. His middle chapters are useful for those who are actually doing the work of HR Analytics. Too many of us have not fully considered the ethical side of HR Analytics and Falletta fills an important need.

Book: May Contain Lies, by Alex Edmans

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May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases—And What We Can Do About It by Alex Edmans

In May Contain Lies, Professor Alex Edmans explores the pervasive issue of misinformation and its impact on our decision-making processes. He delves into the cognitive biases that make individuals susceptible to falsehoods, such as confirmation bias, and provides practical strategies to enhance critical thinking and discernment. By examining real-world examples, Edmans equips readers with tools to navigate the complex landscape of information, fostering more informed and effective decision-making in professional settings.

Alex Edmans is a Professor of Finance at London Business School, renowned for his expertise in corporate finance and behavioral economics. He has delivered a widely viewed TED talk titled “What to Trust in a Post-Truth World,” reflecting his commitment to promoting critical thinking. Edmans has also been recognized as Professor of the Year by Poets & Quants in 2021, underscoring his excellence in teaching and thought leadership.

For workplace learning professionals, May Contain Lies offers valuable insights into recognizing and mitigating biases that can impede effective training and development. By applying Edmans’ frameworks, practitioners can design and deliver learning experiences that promote critical analysis and informed decision-making, ultimately enhancing organizational performance.

Will’s Note: If you want to know how to think about data, measurement, or evaluation; this book is a must. Also, if you just want to learn how to be sensitive to others’ arguments and be clear in your own thinking when presenting evidence, this book is great.

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