Issue 25(1)

Review by: Cheryl Michie

Learner Services

University of Wisconsin-Extension, Learning Innovations

Joe Wilson's book, Mapping a Winning Training Approach , is helpful to anyone involved in workplace learning. Wilson, a training consultant and instructional media producer, uses his expertise to weave the reader through the training jungle. I n this small yet practical book, he steers the reader from needs analysis through design, production, implementation, and evaluation . Although written from a business perspective, the book will appeal to higher education professionals interested in quick and practical training approaches. It is full of visual cues and worksheets. For example, Identify Your Training Needs offers practical examples regarding how to sort and organize assessment data gathered from workshop participants, (p. 12) and then it maps out a process for building successful training based upon this information.

Training and professional development are integral parts of the work world. I n both small and large institutions, administrators must work collaboratively to provide effective training. Wilson 's book can help turn a set of needs and objectives into successful training. For project management or supervising one person, this book will serve as a handy reference.

I chose this book because I currently serve on the professional development advisory board for an on-line learning organization. In the business of teaching and learning, I and my colleagues must keep a constant vigil on our methods. I have found myself floating around in a sea of "training possibilities" and have wondered which tack to take. This book has provided the map I need to a practical and comprehensive training approach.

I enjoyed the Lewis Carroll quote in Wilson's introduction:

If it matters you, this book is a good place to start.