Carol Auerbach & Melvin L. Silberman 
Active Training 
A Handbook of Techniques, Designs, Case Examples, and Tips

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.

Зміст

Acknowledgments

Preface

The Goals Of This Book

How This Book Is Organized

Part I Introducing Active Training

The Nature Of Adult Learning

The Social Side Of Learning

Concerns About Active Training

The Delivery Of Active Training

Part II Designing An Active Training Program

Steps For Designing Active Training

What’s In The Part Two Chapters?

Chapter One Assessing Training Needs

Why Do Assessment?

What Information Should Be Collected?

How Can Information Be Collected?

What If There Is No Time To Do A Proper Assessment?

Chapter Two Developing Active Training Objectives

Setting Learning Goals

Selecting Objectives

Specifying Objectives

Expressing Objectives

Communicating Training Objectives To Others

Chapter Three Creating Opening Exercises

Team Building

On-The-Spot Assessment

Immediate Learning Involvement

Multipurpose Exercises

Chapter Four Preparing Brain-Friendly Presentations

Introductory Exercise

Leadoff Story Or Interesting Visual

Initial Case Problem

Test Questions

Preview Of Content

Opening Summary

Headlines

Examples

Analogies

Visual Backup

Listening Role

Guided Note Taking

Spot Challenge

Synergetic Learning

Illuminating Exercise

Press Conference

Participant Review

Group Processing

Postpresentation Case Problem

Experiential Activity

Chapter Five Finding Alternative Methods To Presenting

Chapter Six Using Experiential Learning Approaches

Role Playing

Games And Simulations

Observation

Mental Imagery

Writing Tasks

Action Learning

Chapter Seven Designing Active Training Activities

The Three Major Ingredients Of Any Design

Basic Questions About Any Design

The Remaining Details

Three Tips For Creative Designs

Chapter Eight Sequencing Active Training Activities

Basic Sequencing Guidelines

Applying Sequencing Guidelines

The Finer Side Of Sequencing

Experiential Learning Sequences

Chapter Nine Planning Active Training Programs

The Macrodesign Of An Active Training Program

Chapter Ten Incorporating Active Learning In All Training

Asynchronous E-Learning

Group-Based E-Learning

Virtual Classrooms

Blended Learning

Social Media Expands Active Training And Development

M-Learning Offers Instant Options

Part III Conducting An Active Training Program

Chapter Eleven Beginning An Active Training Program

Preparing Yourself Mentally

Arranging The Physical Environment

Greeting Participants And Establishing Rapport

Getting The Best From The First Thirty Minutes Of Training

Reviewing The Agenda

Inviting Feedback To The Agenda

Chapter Twelve Gaining Leadership Of The Group

Setting Group Norms

Controlling Timing And Pacing

Increasing Receptivity To Your Leadership

Handling Problem Situations

Chapter Thirteen Giving Presentations And Leading Discussions

Knowing Your Group

Organizing Your Presentation

Watching Your Body Language

Adding Visuals

Making Smooth Transitions

Facilitating A Lively Discussion

Chapter Fourteen Facilitating Structured Activities And Promoting Team Learning

Structured Activities

Team Learning

Chapter Fifteen Concluding An Active Training Program

Reviewing Program Content

Obtaining Final Questions And Concerns

Promoting Self-Assessment

Focusing On Back-On-The-Job Application

EXPRESSING FINAL Sentiments

Part IV Extending The Value Of An Active Training Program

Chapter Sixteen Providing For Back-On-The-Job Application

Prior To The Training Program

During The Training Program

At The End Of The Training Program

Obstacle Assessment

Peer Consultation

Self-Monitoring

Follow-Up Questionnaire

Chapter Seventeen Evaluating An Active Training Program

Expanding The Four Evaluation Levels

Designing Evaluations

Obtain Feedback Along The Way

Part V The Evolving Role Of Trainers

Chapter Eighteen Expanded Roles For Trainers

Onboarding

Leading Change

Coaching Managers

Mentoring Programs

Internal Consulting

Building Teams

Chapter Nineteen New Business Realities For Trainers

Doing More With Less

Globalization

Working With Multi-Generational Workforces

Working With The C-Suite

Vendor Management

Working With Subject Matter Experts

We’ve Reached The End–Or Is It The Beginning?

References

About The Authors

Про автора

MEL SILBERMAN was Professor Emeritus of Adult and Organizational Development at Temple University for 41 years. Mel rose to international prominence for his contributions to the field of training. Mel passed away in 2010.

ELAINE BIECH is President of ebb associates inc, where she specializes in helping leaders maximize their effectiveness. She is the author or editor of over 60 books.

CAROL AUERBACH has over 25 years’ experience designing and delivering corporate training programs for such companies as CIGNA Insurance, Kellogg’s, and IBM.