Evidence-Based Training Methods

Abstract

In the education community, a useful body of research evidence related to training development and delivery has emerged only in the last 20 years. With that evidence, training practitioners now have a better idea of how learning occurs in the brain. In Evidence-Based Training Methods, Ruth Colvin Clark summarizes the most current research that relates to the decisions training professionals face on a daily basis. She explains techniques that maximize learning. In addition, Clark provides evidence about the best ways to use examples and practice, as well as how to organize content. The techniques discussed in the book can guide decisions regarding the best instructional modes and methods to use in training. Clark suggests that instructional environments must support four key processes that transform information into knowledge: (1) focusing attention, (2) engaging learners to promote processing, (3) managing mental load, and (4) ensuring learning via retrieval. Through training, students are typically expected to meet one of three objectives: to acquire knowledge, build procedural skills, or build strategic skills. Each of these goals can be met by using a particular type of instructional design or architecture. As a general rule, it makes sense to use show and tell architectures to teach concepts and facts, stair-step designs to teach introductory lessons that focus on routine skills, and immersive architectures for advanced lessons that require critical thinking skills. Regardless of the architecture that is used, instructors must decide how to communicate with visuals, text, and audio. When training students on new skills, examples are very important. Examples that illustrate routine tasks should be based on demonstrations that incorporate the context of the workplace. In contrast, examples that illustrate strategic tasks should use a variety of different contexts. Evidence-Based Training Methods is relevant to classroom instructors, developers of training materials, training managers, and e-learning designers and developers.