Busting Myths!

As I have hinted, I’ve been working on a project that is related to what learning science has to do with learning design.  And I can finally announce the project!  I’ve been writing a book on debunking learning myths & superstitions, and unpacking some misconceptions. I’m happy to say that it’s finally available for pre-order (ATD members here, Amazon here). It’s myth-smashing time!

The focus here is on workplace learning, as the title suggests. There already has been a book oriented toward the education market, but this one is particularly focused on myths that impact learning & development. The title is Millennials, Goldfish & Other Training Misconceptions:  Debunking Learning Myths and Superstitions.   There are 3 major categories of things addressed:

• Myths: beliefs that are the source of effort and investment that have been proven to be false.  It’s surprising how many there are, but they persist. I have addressed 16 of them.  I talk about the appeal, the possibilities and problems, how research could answer the question, and what the research says.
• Superstitions: these are practices that aren’t really advocated, but continue to be observed in practice. And they’re not necessarily the subject of specific research, but instead we can make principled arguments against them. I have documented five of these, with the approaches, the plausible case, and why it’s not accurate.
• Misconceptions: these are topics that are hotly debated, with typically smart people on both sides, but yet contention remains.  After identifying what both sides are arguing, what I try to point out is what is worth taking away. Or when it’s useful.

In each case,  I identify what you  should be doing.  The point is not to just point out the flaws, but have us using good approaches.  And have a wee bit of fun ;).

This book is very much intended as a tool. It’s to pull out when you have a question, and very specifically when someone wants to push you to do something that’s contrary.  It’s a reference tool that you should have on your shelf for when these questions arise.

While the book won’t be available ’til late April, I can now let you know that it’s already available for pre-order.  In conjunction with ATD, the publisher, we’re finalizing all the aspects.  If you’re not an ATD member, you can also get it here.

I’ll be talking on the topic of myths, covering a limited subset, for Training Mag’s Network in a webinar on April 11 at 9 PT, noon ET.  See you there?

And I’ll be addressing the larger issue of being professional about learning science, including myths, for ATD in a webinar on May 24 at 11AM PT, 2PM ET.

Here’s to busting myths!