The Changing World of the Trainer: Emerging Good Practice

Citation

Sloman, M. (2008), "The Changing World of the Trainer: Emerging Good Practice", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 16 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/hrmid.2008.04416fae.002

The Changing World of the Trainer: Emerging Good Practice

Article Type: Suggested reading From: Human Resource Management International Digest, Volume 16, Issue 6

Martyn Sloman,Butterworth Heinemann, 2007

Keywords: Training, Learning processes, Continuing professional development

The Changing World of the Trainer: Emerging Good Practice is based on detailed research and inputs from training specialists and organizations in 19 countries. The book uses 58 case studies, from a wide range of organizations globally to identify and explore some of the challenges facing those involved in training and learning and some of the ways in which they are meeting these challenges.

The author considers whether there is a move from training to learning, why he considers such change is necessary, and key processes such as competences, coaching, action learning, e-learning and delivering value. In a broader context, he examines whether these approaches are global and take account of different cultures, context and their impact on learning. The research leads the author to conclude that there is indeed the emergence of a global model and, as a result, the role of the trainer is changing to embrace new partnerships and perspectives.

The research also points to the need within a service-led and knowledge-driven economy for the acquisition and development of new skills by the workforce in order to offer the organization the chance of sustainable competitive advantage. This requires those involved in facilitating learning within organizations to develop new mindsets and skills.

There are models, frameworks, diagrams mini-questionnaires and references at the end of each chapter. However, while the author begins some chapters by reprising the previous chapter in brief, the text would have had more impact if key learning points from the narrative and case studies had been summarized at the end of each chapter.

The book contains much material to digest and reflect upon – perhaps too much to take in at one go. Theory and practice are well matched and generally the writing style is reader-friendly.

The Changing World of the Trainer: Emerging Good Practice is an important text for those who are reflecting on their own role within organizations and their own continuing professional development.

Reviewed by Alan Catell, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.

A version of this review was originally published in Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 40 No. 1, 2008.