Making instruction work, or, Skillbloomers

For anything related to training, I find Mager to be the best source. He speaks plainly and his books are easy to read.

Mager has written an outstanding book for the beginner to intermediate trainer/curriculum developer. He addresses the skills and procedures necessary for designing instruction. The book is an enjoyable read, which guides you through each step of design, development, implementation and evaluation!

Dr. Robert F. Mager may be the master of understatement. When you read his precise recipe for creating successful instruction, you are left with the realization that your life could have been much simpler had you encountered this wisdom earlier in your existence. Dr. Mager is not recounting some brand new theory or blinding discovery. He is communicating a logical and systematic process for defining what instruction can do. In the process, he helps you determine if instruction is the solution for your performance problem. He shows you how to set goals, identify task objectives and task sequences, identify the skills and characteristics of the persons you are teaching, and develop and refine your instruction into an effective change agent.

An easy reading reference for training professionals. It breaks down into simple terms, the complex process of developing training. The 1988 edition of this book was the course reference text in my college classes on "training development, implementation, and evaluation ". I am still working in the training industry, and refer the the book frequently.