Elaine Biech - The Art and Science of Training

If you could have only one book in your library that presents the latest research on training, choose this one. It is a veritable tour de force that cleverly combines the perspectives of art and science. With wonderful insights including learning theory, technology, enhanced delivery, and the latest research on transfer, this is destined to be the bible of treatises on learning and development.

Jack Zenger, CEO, Zenger Folkman, Bestselling Author, The Extraordinary Leader

Elaine Biech has captured several key validations for me within the same chapter: learners do better when they are solving a problem and a moderate amount of stress helps in the learning process. Now I know why as a lifelong complex problem solver, I love being in the mix of learning from these challenges!

Rear Admiral (ret) Gib Godwin, Managing Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Training and development and teaching professionals in all types of organizations have long needed practical but sound advice on how best to approach the baffling task of helping others learn. Elaine Biechs book and its intuitive and easy-to-access structure fill the bill to a T.

Robert O. Brinkerhoff, Professor Emeritus, Western Michigan University

The Art and Science of Training provides the perfect balance between scientific fact and the artistic elements that, when combined, make training impactful, meaningful, and engaging. I strongly recommend this book for practitioners who want to raise the bar on their training design and for academics who want to complement their scientific teachings with real-world examples and application.

Karl Kapp, Professor of Instructional Technology, Bloomsburg University, Author, The Gamification of Learning and Instruction

Elaine Biech nailed it from the title to the last pagetraining truly is an art and science. But how many trainers can say theyve mastered the art or truly understand the brain science? Whether youve been in the industry for days or decades, The Art and Science of Training is a go-to guide for your professional library. The Bob Pike Group pioneered instructor-led, participant-centered training 40 years ago, and this book earns our stamp of approval.

Becky Pike Pluth, CEO, The Bob Pike Group

Ive always believed that the longest distance in training is the 15 inches from a participants head to his or her heart. When attempting to provide the transformational experience for the learner, the trainer must connect with both (and understand why). In The Art and Science of Training, youll examine the how and the why for making this a part of every session you lead. Through this rich and timely behind-the-curtain look, Elaine Biech shows you how to consistently lead sessions in which your learners hear, see, and feel what youre sayingand do something with it.

Jim Mr. Energy Smith Jr., Author, Speaker, Trainer, Coach, President and CEO, Jim Smith Jr. International

In the search for understanding learners better, Elaine Biech has simplified a vast, complex topic by presenting practical information supported by research and experience. In The Art and Science of Training, youll discover countless gems connecting the science of training with the art of facilitation. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to better connect with todays learners and be a more effective facilitator.

Julie Straw, Vice President of Assessment Solutions, John Wiley & Sons

Practical, credible, insightful, useful, immediately relevant, research-basedThe Art and Science of Training is the most valuable guide Ive read in a long time. Elaine Biech takes us on a journey through the scientific foundation of learning and the artistic application of principles. Have you ever wondered how the research of Gagn and Knowles are best applied in todays world of virtual and social learning? Look no further. Elaine has done all the research for you!

Jenn Labin, Principal, TERP associates, Author, Real World Training Design

Elaine Biech extols us to see training as both an art and a science. When you infuse objective research and scientific foundations with creativity and flexibility tailored to the learners needs and your own style, the results can be epic. Dont let your training be stagnantcheck out the many ideas, tips, and actionable insights in this book to become a master in our profession.

Halelly Azulay, Author, Employee Development on a Shoestring, Host, The TalentGrow Show podcast

You really need to read this book, especially if youre a trainer or facilitator. The whole point of training is to improve the performance of the learner. As Elaine Biech masterfully shows, effective trainers need to deliver research-based content (science) in creative and imaginative ways (art). Read this book and youll be a better trainer. Period.

Bill Treasurer, Author, Leaders Open Doors

Elaine Biech has put the entire system of training together, explaining clearly the process and passion for our work in learning and development. She starts by clarifying the learners and the needs and then continues all the way through how to change performance when the learners get back to their workplace. These are big questions for us in our profession and questions we very often ignore. This book will have a place on my desk and be required reading for my team.

Lou Russell, Queen/CEO, Russell Martin & Associates

Trainers and instructional designers are truly engaged in work that demands creativity shaped by research evidence of methods that support learning. In this book, you will find a rare synthesis of how evidence-based research principles can be implemented in creative ways. Its a must-read practical and grounded guide for talent development professionals.

Ruth Colvin Clark, Author, Evidence-Based Training Methods

In The Art and Science of Training, we have a way to explain the science behind the magic we weave. If you are just starting out in the training field, no one can give you a better foundation than Elaine Biech. A self-taught trainer, she summarizes her years of experience into practical how-to steps that make the science work for you while you use the artist within to encourage learning and create an environment conducive to the same. For those with more experience, she does a masterful job of cutting through all the neuroscience noise that is all the rage, as she demonstrates chapter by chapter how the early cognitive science of training we have used for decades is still relevant. This is my new favorite go-to book to share with staff and colleagues, whether they are artists or scientistsor a little of both!

Kathy Shurte, Performance and Training Manager, Florida Department of Transportation

Do you need to know the state of the training and development field today? If so, you want this book. It provides a concise, easy-to-read description of how the field has evolved. I strongly recommend it.

William J. Rothwell, President, Rothwell & Associates, Inc., Professor, Workforce, Education & Development, The Pennsylvania State University

The Art and Science of Training is a master class in instructional design and delivery. It includes decades of the best research on what makes training world class. And its beautifully organized and accessible. Like a master teacher, the book is ready to inspire on every page to propel you beyond your current level of expertise. When you put what you read into action, your participants will produce workplace outcomes beyond expectation.