Training for Dummies

One of the pitfalls of being a training specialist for such a long time is that it is easy to become complacent with your knowledge level and your writing habits. "Training for Dummies," which should be titled "Training for Schmarties" is one of those books that will help you avoid that. Author, Elaine Biech covers the instructional systems design model (ISD) or A.D.D.I.E., in detail. These are analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. She states the difference between what it means to be a teacher vs. being a trainer. This is one of the only texts I have seen that offers some construction of an instructional design draft, although I wish she would have shown and explained a two-column format in depth. She did provide samples of a three- and four-column format. Biech goes into overdrive regarding implementation from room set-up, the things that could go wrong, dealing with nervousness, and handling the disruptive influence, all types of them, to mention just a few. She also covers the four (or five if you prefer) levels of evaluation superbly. One area I was hoping that she would address is how trainers can deal with managers who make disastrous training decisions that will be a supreme waste of time and money, but will blame the trainer rather than recognizing their decision as the reason for failure. (I was once asked to do training to control or reduce absenteeism. Thank God, he had a poor memory)! This is a constant uphill battle for trainers and I see half-hearted training efforts squandered on almost a weekly basis. (If you're out there reading this, no, you can't have Team Building in only one day Why? Because it's not enough time to build teams, dummy)! I have a few dozen texts on training. If you could only have one of them, this would be the one I would give you. If you're serious about training, it is one book you need to keep on your table instead of your shelf. Remember... No train, no gain. P.S. Don't get overconfident if you have a full seminar in Hawaii or Scottsdale, AZ. They might have other reasons for being there.

Don't feel silly for getting this book just because it says "for dummies." I have a masters in training so I wouldn't say I am a dummy in the field, and I believe this book is a fantastic resource to remind you of many training techniques and principles. I Def. Recommend!!!!

Even a cursory reading of Training for Dummies should convince anyone that conducting good quality successful training is definitely not for the inexperienced. Step by step Elaine peels away the layers of good training to show the reader how it should be done. From the neophyte to seasoned professionals, there are training "gems" here for everyone. Training for Dummies starts those new to training with a review of adult learning theory and an exploration of the basic training cycle, assessing needs, and designing learning objectives. Moving on from theory to practice, Elaine offers a trainer's bible for delivering dynamic training sessions covering such topics as great training openers and making the best use of visuals and multi-media. One particularly helpful chapter deals with what to do when problems occur in the training room. We have all had those days when the room is cancelled, the projector bulb goes out, or there is one person in the group that is intent on making our day miserable. Numerous problem scenarios and strategies for dealing with them are offered. Making training interesting and fun is a theme that runs throughout the book. Elaine's mandate to trainers is clear: training should not be boring. In the final section of her book, she offers six chapters full of ideas you can put to immediate use to energize your training. It is evident that Elaine has years of training behind her in writing this book. She shares so many of the tips that have made her a recognized master trainer that I would recommend keeping a notebook nearby to glean some of her best ideas. When you integrate these into your next training event, you and your learners will experience the difference. Davis E. Froeber President, Intercultural Dimensions

Training for Dummies is right on the money, insightful yet practical. Too many books are all about theory and not about practice--this is not one of them. On Page 320 "Training on the Run" she addresses what seems to be the current issue du jour. Folks just won't take the time to read or train--yet want to know it all. She gives some good guidance on how to implement "compression" of the training cycle.

Elaine's book came to my attention at a unique time in my career. I had done training, even managed a training function, years ago. I now have the oppotunity to re-engage in the training field and needed a resource to brush up on my knowledge, as well as see what's new in the field. This book was perfect as a key resource. It does an excellent job of laying out the training process from beginning to end and educate on the associated issues. It does so in a comprehensive, engaging style. The book is also laid out to allow deep dives into specific areas. For me, one area was success measurement and ROI. I was able to refresh my understanding of how to measure training's effectiveness and figure out more information I might need to pursue deeper understanding and application.