Telling Ain't Training

Stolovitch and Keeps little masterpiece "Telling Ain't Training", incorporates a variety of adult learning principles throughout the book like:

* telling the learner the benefit of the training,
* taking into account the different experiences of the learners,
* making sure the learner is actively involved and particpating in the learning, and
* leading the learner to action.

The reader/learner is led systematically to an realization of why transmitting (telling) information doesn't work as well as transforming (including practice and feedback) the learner. The reader/learner's active involvement is ensured through constant examples, analogies and activities that are fun and always to the point.

As someone who both develops and delivers training programs, I found this book to be highly informative (it discusses the current research in learning and development), extremely well focussed and ultimately very useful. I have already incorporated at least 5 of the book's wonderful little nuggets into my training and development activities.

I highly recommend this book


I've never read a more interactive book!   February 24, 2006
Adam M. Cain (Roseville, CA)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

I have read a lot of books recently to increase my work knowledge, and I have to say that this book was the easiest and most fun to read. The writers have done an excellent job getting the reader involved, which increases the amount of information one is able to remember. This book is a real pionner in how to write educative books. Oh, yea, and the content was outstanding!


A VERY VERY GREAT BOOK   October 18, 2002
Pierre Fournier (Québec, Canada)
22 out of 25 found this review helpful

It is rare to find a book written by an expert that isn't made for is fellows specialists. And most of the time, less specialized books misses the point by leaving behind huge chunks of knowledge.

We are here in front of two great authors and they know how to use synthesis. They have been able to put together the essence of their skills in words that makes it readable for every interested mind. The result is a complete book, with no missing part. It will become a reference to those who want to have the full picture. The newcomer and the addict will use it often.

M. Stolovitch and Mme Keeps use a "discussion" mode to cover theme like: adult learning, course creating techniques, training approaches and evaluation. They keep the interest of the reader with exercises, questions and tests. To read the book is to have a talk with them.

But the part that is to most satisfying is the one on training myth. At last a very good text on what works and why!! You should buy the book just for that chapter. I keep reading "Telling ain't training" just to feel that what I do is fine and that I am not alone fighting for a just cause.


Telling Aint Training   June 5, 2005
Scott Presnell
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Great book!! Any body in the training field should get a copy. Herald Stolovitch and Erica Keeps keep the reader involved throughout the entire book with constant examples and activities that are very interesting and fun. I am in the US military and training is constant in my job. Techniques are drawn out and easy to understand, making it easy for anybody to comprehend and transfer to their own training. The use of the five step training model really sets up how a training session should be held. I will use this book over and over again in the development of my professional training career.