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Foundational Concepts
Based on four decades of experience, Training Design Simplified is a guide designed to transform workplace training. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Having taught people how to teach others to do their work for 40 years, I have continually seen the same mistakes made time and time again. It astounds me that organizations keep doing the same thing again and again and not getting the results they want. I created this book to set the record straight and help people see it from a new perspective.
Can you share with us a little about the research process that went into putting your book together?
Throughout the book, I have interviewed dozens of former students and colleagues in the training industry who share their insights and experiences in preparing people for work. Most of the theory-based methods explained in the book have been research I have used to teach people how to teach. These include foundational concepts used in the industry for more than 60 years, some of which were misinterpreted or misunderstood.
What is one misconception you believe many people have regarding on-the-job training?
The biggest misconception is that employers say, “We need to hurry up training so they can get back to work”. The irony is that by hurrying up the delivery, the chances of the worker understanding the material and being able to actually apply it diminishes greatly. They simply forget that learning is NOT in the delivery but in the learner’s discovery. Only by applying the concept can the learner actually understand the information and retain it. We MUST engage the learner throughout the process. The cost of worker time off for training is nothing compared to the cost of rework, work errors, accidents, worker comp claims, etc. because the worker did not fully get the concept.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Training Design Simplified?
It is time to rethink the way we prepare people for work. Stop doing what you thought was the thing to do, or what you considered to be the way everybody does it. Training is too expensive NOT to be impactful and have lasting results. If you have no idea about the ROI generated by your training, it is time to consider your training investment.
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their students to learn the concept they are teaching. In fact, in the segment of education that
prepares people specifically for work (CTE, apprenticeships, and corporate training), many
instructors believe that a 70-80 percent success rate is satisfactory. But based on his nearly forty
years of experience preparing thousands of workplace instructors, Dr. Johnson believes we can
obtain a 100 percent success rate.
In fact, he has helped thousands of instructors reach 100 percent learner success by teaching all
sorts of skills, both technical and soft, all across the US and Canada. Training Design
Simplified is a nonfiction book that speaks to CEOs, HR, training directors and instructors who
are looking to create a more effective training system and significantly improve the training
experience for their students and employees. The tips and techniques that Dr. Johnson offers will
shatter the traditionally boring training experience and help you provide an experience that
positively impacts your organization.
You will love this book if you are:the CEO of an organization who wants to increase the value of their training investment.
the HR or Training Director who wants to improve the impact of training on job performance.
a training instructor who wants to improve student retention.
a dedicated employee who wants to share new ideas about training with their leadership.
Training Design Simplified: Breaking Tradition
Dr. Mark L. Johnson’s Training Design Simplified is an eye-opening and no-nonsense guide to overhauling how we train people in the workplace. Drawing on four decades of experience, Johnson exposes the flaws in traditional training—dry lectures, disengaged learners, and minimal retention—and replaces them with a practical, engaging, and human-centered system that works. Through rich stories, clear frameworks like the ADDIE model, and grounded research, the book walks readers through analyzing job roles, writing meaningful objectives, building effective activities, and creating learning experiences that actually stick. More than a how-to, it’s a call to arms for anyone serious about real, lasting learning in the workforce.
Reading this book was like a breath of fresh air. Johnson doesn’t try to impress with jargon or bloated theory. He talks to you like a mentor who’s seen the trenches—who’s failed, learned, and found better ways. I loved how he started with that miserable $900 seminar and used it as fuel to do better. The anecdotes—folding paper, coaching vs. mentoring, “being a better bus driver”—are charming, relatable, and make the lessons unforgettable. His passion for teaching radiates from every page, and I felt both challenged and inspired. This is someone who cares deeply about people actually learning.
Johnson hammers home the idea of replacing traditional methods with engaging, visual, hands-on ones. However, even those repeated messages come from a place of conviction, and I didn’t mind too much. What stood out most was how practical this book is. From chunking information to reducing latency between teaching and application, Johnson offers real tools you can implement tomorrow.
If you’re a corporate trainer, HR leader, apprenticeship instructor, or anyone who’s ever sighed through a dull slideshow, Training Design Simplified is for you. Johnson’s voice is honest, warm, and seasoned, and he delivers a roadmap that’s not just smart—it’s humane. He believes we can do better, and after reading this, so do I. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to not just train workers, but truly teach them.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0F26BL4K7
My Mother Only Had Me For The Check
My Mother Only Had Me for the Check by Crystal Bass is a poignant and compelling memoir that explores the author’s journey through childhood abuse, mental health challenges, and the pursuit of her dreams. Crystal Bass’s candid recounting of her experiences with depression and anxiety, borne from a traumatic upbringing, paints a vivid picture of resilience in the face of adversity. Her narrative doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of her life but instead showcases her unwavering determination to build a better future.
The autobiography is structured around a moment of reflection when Bass’s second daughter is born, prompting her to look back on the significant events that have shaped her life. The story unfolds chronologically, interspersed with flashbacks that provide deeper insights into her struggles and triumphs. Bass’s storytelling prowess shines through her vivid and evocative writing style, immersing readers in her world and allowing them to feel her pain and perseverance. One of the standout aspects is Bass’s ability to convey the emotional depth of her experiences. The detailed accounts of her battles with rape, domestic violence, anxiety, and depression are not just tales of suffering but also of survival and hope. Through her honest and heartfelt narrative, Bass becomes a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, encouraging them to remain passionate about their dreams despite the obstacles. It is important to note that the book contains explicit depictions of mental and physical abuse, which could be triggering for some readers. Despite this, Bass’s courage in sharing her story is nothing short of remarkable. Her strength and resilience serve as an inspiration to women everywhere, reminding them that it is possible to overcome even the darkest of times.
In My Mother Only Had Me for the Check, Crystal Bass has created a powerful testament to hope and resilience. Her memoir is a must-read for those seeking an inspirational story of survival and the relentless pursuit of dreams. This book is especially resonant for women who have faced similar adversities, offering solace and strength through Bass’s extraordinary journey.
Pages: 150 | ASIN : B0CVZ4ZXKD
The Embodied Mind
In The Embodied Mind: Understanding the Mysteries of Cellular Memory, Consciousness, and Our Bodies, Dr. Thomas Verny presents a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between the brain, our bodily functions, and the ways our bodies respond to cerebral directives.
Dr. Verny delves into the realms of dreams and consciousness, explaining how our existence is influenced by internal bodily factors and external elements alike. The book is a masterclass in communicating complex ideas, demonstrating how cells utilize consciousness to perform their primary functions.
Aimed not just at medical professionals but at any intellectually curious reader, The Embodied Mind acts as a gateway to understanding the mysteries of the mind, brain, and the human nervous system. The book demystifies how cells maintain behaviors vital to life, leaving the reader with a profound appreciation of the human body’s marvel and the complexities of the brain, often overlooked by the layman.
One of the book’s strengths is its seamless blend of complex discussions and real-life narratives. This is evident from the warm introduction, where Dr. Verny shares his inspiration for writing the book and his fascination with the brain. His account of a young patient highlights individual variations in memory and consciousness and is particularly compelling.
The first chapter— a thought-provoking discussion on the significance of genes and an insightful dive into epigenetics— stands out as a highlight. This informative book covers various complex topics, including the mechanisms behind memory, the workings of the immune system, and the enigmatic nature of human cells.
Dr. Verny’s exploration of how the body retains memory while the brain forgets is a standout section. It resonates due to its relevance to everyday experiences and is presented in a manner accessible to all readers, regardless of their scientific background.
The book is a testament to Dr. Verny’s extensive research, incorporating a wealth of scientific material and revealing fresh insights throughout its ten informative and enlightening chapters. Beyond its educational discussions and engaging narratives, it challenges established scientific concepts and provides clear explanations, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking comprehensive information on memory, genetics, the human brain, and the body.
Dr. Verny’s insightful understanding of human memory’s nature is impressive, and his ability to explain complex ideas lucidly is commendable. “The Embodied Mind” is a compelling, powerfully engaging read. However, this book isn’t just a testament to Dr. Verny’s expertise—it is a riveting journey into the mysteries of our bodies and minds.
Pages: 238 | ASIN : B08WM42Y2P
How to Win Your Case
What I loved most about reading How to Win Your Case: A Psychiatrist Uses Famous Cases as Examples of How to Succeed in Litigation is how the author uses layman language to expound on his topics. Author Thomas Curtis writes in a way that both readers in the legal profession and those who are not can understand the context of his discussions. How to Win Your Case has all the tips you need as a defendant to beat any potential lawsuit. You need the knowledge in this book whether you are the accused or the attorney on the defense.
History lovers will also enjoy this book because of the historical references the author uses. The author, Thomas Curtis, gives examples of famous cases in the world and discusses various elements of the cases in depth. When reading this book, you get a different perspective of the law and how it is applied. You virtually take a trip to more than a dozen courtrooms and get a better understanding of litigations. This book can inspire one to take a career in law.
Apart from the neatly arranged paragraphs and amazing diction, one also gets to learn legal jargon. I like that the author explains vocabularies to those not familiar with the law. Despite talking about the law, one can see the psychiatric side of things in the book. I appreciate that the author blended psychiatry and law to give readers better content.
How to Win Your Case by Thomas Curtis has great content for law students and readers in the legal sector. Lawyers reading this book will find it beneficial as the author has wise counsel for them. The topics are also distinctly selected and re positioned in a manner that is easy to follow.
Pages: 138 | ASIN : B08Z79YCLR
LITERARY TITAN 