There are two books on the horizon that I am certain will make an incredible impression on the community. First up is Test Development by Melissa Fein. ASTD is excited about this release because it's the first book on criterion-referenced tests written in a way that is smart, direct, and specifically with the L&D practitioner in mind. If you have been using Shrock and Coscarelli as a reference, there is no doubt you will want Fein's book in your training library. The other book releasing this fall is Leaving ADDIE for SAM by Michael Allen. The successive approximation model (or "SAM") has been making the rounds at numerous conferences and education events, and this iterative instructional design approach is poised to change many minds—especially those who still think ADDIE is the surest path to great results. We've also scheduled two webcasts this September that I want on your radar. First up, Roy Pollock and Andy Jefferson will present a webcast on Learning Transfer, based on their August Infoline on the same topic. Next, there is Saul Carliner's "Measuring Informal Learning" event for ASTD members—that gives you plenty of time to read the book and bring all your poignant and well-considered questions and comments for the author! There is a third webcast I am working on with Real World Training Design author Jenn Labin. It will be a somewhat unique take on the panel discussion, and I wish I could say more than, "stay tuned." But since I can't, stay tuned!
Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not include a comment on the passing of Stephen R. Covey. He helped shape and inspire the way so many of us live and work, and if you haven't read the excellent tribute on the ASTD blog, I strongly recommend that you do.
So, for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, enjoy the remaining days of summertime. And make the absolute most of those quiet moments.
