Ruth Colvin Clark

Very simply put, if you educate others whether in higher ed, Extension, or as a volunteer, I strongly recommend you pick up a copy and read Evidence-Based Training Methods: A Guide for Training Professionals* by Ruth Colvin Clark. Actually, I recommend that you pick up the second edition because it has recently came out, and I am quite confident new topics have been discussed and recent research added. Clark basically pooled research together to explain best instructional practices along with busting common instructional myths in a very readable tone. Her book reflected the lessons she shared throughout the book. This is another book that will hold a key place in my reference library. Read more… (más)

Ruth Clark and Richard Mayer bring peer-reviewed research and a clean writing style to this well organized introduction to e-learning principles and practices. They make connections to earlier, decades-old learning formats including instructional films to show that “what we are seeing under the e-learning label is not new” (p. 20). They effectively use chapter headings and subheadings to offer helpful tips—“use words and graphics rather than words alone” (p. 51); “place corresponding words and graphics near each other” (p. 67); “present words as audio narration rather than onscreen text” (p. 83); and “use conversational style and virtual coaches” (p. 131)—as part of their own instructional techniques. Furthermore, their inclusion of numerous screenshots to provide examples of effective and ineffective e-learning serves as a model of how those providing or producing e-learning modules can approach their work. Their section on “how people learn from e-courses” (Chapter 2) serves as a brief introduction to a subject covered more thoroughly in James Zull’s "The Art of Changing the Brain: Enriching Teaching by Exploring the Biology of Learning," and Chapter 3 (“Applying the Multimedia Principle: Use Words and Graphics Rather than Words Alone”) is a brief introduction to a topic covered in greater detail in Cliff Atkinson’s '"Beyond Bullet Points: Using Microsoft® Office PowerPoint® 2007 to Create Presentations That Inform, Motivate, and Inspire.… (más)

Dr. Ruth Colvin Clark has been researching what really works in the training industry for decades now. In this book, she gives anyone who teaches a concise review of what myths exist in our professions regarding training - - and helps us expand our knowledge about what really works.

Her writing style is engaging throughout the book, even making you assess your own learning as you progress.

This should be on the bookshelf of any college professor, trainer, or instructional design professional.… (más)