Book review: Writing Learning Outcomes

I have had the opportunity to review the book Writing Learning Outcomes 2. edition by Leslie Allan .

Writing learning outcomes are one of (if not the one) the most important tasks a trainer and client does upon deciding to run a training program. Unfortunately not all trainers care about this, and not all clients realize the importance. The purpose of writing the learning outcome is to document the purpose of the training – what are the participants to learn, and what the impact of the learning to the organization is.

The book clearly shows Mr. Allan’s excellence in this area. His background is impressive enough by itself, and he is able to convey his message in a very detailed manner. He offers a clear structure, and even adds an easy-to-use template to use when setting up the learning outcome.

On the negative side, I personally prefer reading books and materials that are less academic in its language. Then again, I am pragmatic, not a theorist in my learning style.

I am also questioning the large focus on using the SMART model for setting goals. I would think that people reading this kind of books are well familiar with the SMART model, and hence a reference to it should be enough.

What I like particularly well with the book is the structure and method it offers. Writing learning outcomes will become much easier in the future, using Mr. Allan’s three-step model.

I like the way he goes into details that are relevant for writing learning outcomes, and the use of examples. It makes it clear to the reader what is supposed to happen in each step. Each step includes easy adopting templates.

The overall feeling of the Writing Learning Outcome is that it is a bit too academic to my preference, a bit too complicated (detailed). It is also a great resource to learn about learning outcomes, and a great set of templates to use when setting up your next learning program or training.

I will be using the Writing Learning Outcomes in Trainifique , as so far, I find it the best resource on the market.