University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
Design for How People Learn
Book

Design for How People Learn

Julie Dirksen
New Riders, 2015
First Edition: 2011
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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Well Structured
  • Engaging

Recommendation

An effective learning experience doesn’t just give people knowledge, learning strategy and design expert Julie Dirksen writes. Designers must not only identify and bridge learners’ knowledge gaps but also motivation, habit, environmental and skill gaps. In this engaging text, Dirksen delves into core learning principles, memory and attention, and strategies for designing learning content that equips people to apply their learning in real-world contexts. ​​​​​​ The book itself embodies Dirksen’s research-backed arguments: Its analogies, examples and illustrations render complex concepts accessible, applicable and enlightening.

Summary

Effective learning is learning people can apply.

Successful learning design does not focus solely on new knowledge. New knowledge is only as important as what learners can do with that knowledge: their ability to apply what you teach in their daily lives.

Designing this sort of learning experience starts with investigating the gaps between where the learner currently stands and the end learning goal. 

“Knowledge gaps” differ from “skill gaps.”

Filling knowledge gaps is usually a part of the process of helping the learner get where they need to go. Identifying knowledge gaps means determining the information people need to achieve learning goals, when they need it, and the best format(s) for conveying it. 

Knowledge is not the only gap to consider. You may have a map of the Appalachian Trail, a compass and a good pair of boots, but that doesn’t mean you have all you need to complete the hike. Can you pitch a tent? Do you possess an adequate fitness level to journey 2,000 miles? If not, more knowledge isn’t going to help. You can’t learn to deal with an angry customer or to hit a tennis backhand by...

About the Author

Julie Dirksen is a learning strategy consultant and Learning Guild Guildmaster who has worked with Fortune 500 companies, international NGOs, technology start-ups and grant-funded research initiatives.

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