Active Training: A Handbook of Techniques, Designs, Case Examples, and Tips, 4th Edition

The all-time bestselling training handbook, updated for new technologies and roles

Active Training turns instructional design on its head by shifting the emphasis away from the instructor, and on to the learner. Comprehensively updated to reflect the many developments in the field, this new fourth edition covers the latest technologies and applications, the evolving role of the trainer, and how new business realities impact training, advancing new evidence-based best practices for new trainer tasks, skills, and knowledge. Up to date theory and research inform the practical tips and techniques that fully engage learners and help them get the most out of sessions, while updated workplace examples and revised templates and worksheets help bring these techniques into the classroom quickly. You’ll gain insight into improving training evaluation by using Return on Expectations (ROE), learn how to extend the value of training programs through transfer of learning, and develop fresh, engaging methods that incorporate state-of-the-art applications.

Active Training designs offer just the right amount of content; the right balance of affective, behavioral, and cognitive learning; a variety of approaches; real-life problem solving; gradual skill-building; and engaging delivery that uses the participants’ expertise as a foundation for learning. This book is the classic guide to employing Active Training methods effectively and appropriately for almost any topic.

• Learn how the trainer’s role has changed
• Engage learners through any training delivery method
• Inspire collaboration and innovation through application
• Overcome the challenges trainers face in the new business environment

Active Training methods make training sessions fun, engaging, relevant, and most importantly, effective. Participants become enthusiastic about the material, and view sessions as interesting challenges rather than as means to fulfill requirements. To bring these widely endorsed methods into your training repertoire, Active Training is the complete practical handbook you need.

Table of Contents

Part One: Introducing Active Training

Part Two: Designing an Active Training Program
Chapter 1: Assessing Training Needs
Chapter 2: Developing Active Training Objectives
Chapter 3: Creating Opening Exercises
Chapter 4: Preparing Brain-Friendly Presentations
Chapter 5: Finding Alternative Methods to Presenting
Chapter 6: Using Experiential Learning Approaches
Chapter 7: Designing Active Training Activities
Chapter 8: Sequencing Active Training Activities
Chapter 9: Planning Active Training Programs
Chapter 10: Incorporating Active Learning in All Training

Part Three: Conducting an Active Training Program
Chapter 11: Beginning an Active Training Program
Chapter 12: Gaining Leadership of the Group
Chapter 13: Giving Presentations and Leading Discussions
Chapter 14: Facilitating Structured Activities and Promoting Team Learning
Chapter 15: Concluding an Active Training Program

Part Four: Extending the Value of an Active Training Program
Chapter 16: Providing for Back-on-the-Job Application
Chapter 17: Evaluating an Active Training Program

Part Five: The Evolving Role of Trainers
Chapter 18: Expanded Roles for Trainers
Chapter 19: New Business Realities for Trainers