Barbazette, Jean. (2006). The Art of Great Training Delivery: Strategies, Tools, and Tactics. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.
This is a detailed, analytical approach to training written with both new and experienced trainers in mind—a nice resource that covers the basics.
Bergen, Sharon. (2009). Best Practices for Training Early Childhood Professionals. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
The title tells it all. Use this as a beginner’s guide to the basics of training in the early childhood education field.
Biech, Elaine. (2009). 10 Steps to Successful Training. Alexandria, VA: ASTD Press.
This book is described by Mel Silberman as a “clearly written, user-friendly book” to enable any trainer. It’s designed mainly for new trainers. Start here.
Biech, Elaine, ed. (2007). 90 World-Class Activities by 90 World-Class Trainers. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.
Trainers from all over the world each share their favorite learning activity. Top-notch ideas that get your trainer blood pumping—trust us!
Broad, M.L., and J.W. Newstrom. (1992). Transfer of Training: Action-Packed Strategies to Ensure High Payoff From Training Investments. Perseus Publishing.
The problem of learning retention and transfer is often overlooked. This book presents a systematic process for training transfer.
Dirksen, Julie. (2012). Design for How People Learn. Berkeley, CA: New Riders.
Dirksen gets to the heart of the current science of adult learning fundamentals. This book shows you how to attract and maintain your audience’s attention and make learning stick!
Hayes, Elisabeth R., and Arthur L. Wilson, eds. (2000). Handbook of Adult and Continuing Education. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
This rich handbook gives you a solid foundation as a trainer, as it reflects on the body of science that helps build effective training principles and strategies for different settings and participants.
Holton, Elwood F., and Richard A. Swanson. (2011). The Adult Learner, 5th edition. Burlington, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.
This is the “bible” of adult education, helping the profession understand andragogy and how adults need to be in charge of their learning.
Jones, Elizabeth. (2007). Teaching Adults Revisited: Active Learning for Early Childhood Educators. NAEYC.
A classic that follows this master educator as she teaches the introductory course in Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)!
Klatt, Bruce. (1999). The Ultimate Training Workshop Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Leading Successful Workshops and Training Programs. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.
This is a terrific reference for any trainer’s library. It presents a step-by-step guide, from meeting with the client and securing the stage to evaluating the results of the workshop or training session. 500+ pages of timeless information.
Lakey, George. (2010). Facilitating Group Learning: Strategies for Success With Diverse Adult Learners. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Lakey teaches what he calls “direct education”—which he says “cuts through the fluff and pretense that distances the learners from the subject.” Shows how to effectively teach those on the margins of our society.
Mager, Roger F. (1997). Preparing Instructional Objectives: A Critical Tool in the Development of Effective Instruction, 3rd ed. Atlanta, GA: CEP Press.
Objectives create a roadmap for training. This is an easy read and well respected by many in the field.
Silberman, Mel. (2006). Active Training: A Handbook of Techniques, Designs, Case Examples, and Tips, 3rd ed. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.
A must-have resource for any new or experienced trainer. There is everything from “brain-friendly lectures” to “controlling timing and pacing of training sessions” and much, much more. We would call it the standard—Mel Silberman is the Malcolm Knowles of modern training.
Silberman, Mel. (2005). 101 Ways to Make Training Active, 2nd ed. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.
Lots of tips and techniques that really work. Topics include stimulating discussions, peer teaching, on-the-spot assessments, and emotional intelligence. A smorgasbord of well- organized ideas!
Silberman, Mel. (2005). Teaching Actively: Eight Steps and 32 Strategies to Spark Learning in Any Classroom. Boston, MA: Pearson, Allyn & Bacon.
Feeling stale? This is the book for you! This book is a compendium of strategies and ideas to perk up your training delivery.