Episode 65: Design for How People Learn Skills
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If people need a skill, training alone isn’t enough.
In this episode, Jess talks with Julie Dirksen, author of Design for How People Build Skills, about what it really takes to help people develop proficiency. They explore how to define skills more precisely, determine whether training is actually the answer, and design practice and feedback that continue beyond the learning experience. Julie also shares practical ways to analyze skills based on context, variability, and risk so L&D can make better design decisions and help people perform more effectively.
Jess and Julie Discuss
What actually makes something a skill
How to determine whether training will solve a performance problem\
Turning broad requests like “communication” into observable skills
Using the “photo test” to define what good performance looks like
How context, variability, and risk should influence learning design
Why different skills require different kinds of practice
About Julie Dirksen
Julie Dirksen is the author of the books Design For How People Learn and Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change and her newest book, Design for How People Learn Skills. She is a learning strategy consultant with a focus on incorporating behavioral science into learning interventions. Her Masters degree is in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University. She’s been an adjunct faculty member at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and is a Learning Guild Guildmaster.
Find and Connect with Julie Dirksen
Website: https://usablelearning.com/
Website: https://designbetterlearning.com/
Books on Amazon: Design for How People Learn, Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change, Design for How People Learn Skills
New Book Directly from Publisher (see discount code below): https://www.peachpit.com/store/design-for-how-people-build-skills-9780135919507
Discount Code: Use code BUILDSKILLS for a 35% discount off the list price when purchased on the publisher website. Free shipping for USA domestic sales.
For ISBNs 9780135919507 or 9780135919477 only when purchased on peachpit.com. Discount does not apply to “Best Value” or “Additional Savings” book + eBook bundles. Offer expires 11:59pm EST March 31, 2027. Discount may not be combined with any other offer and is not redeemable for cash. Offer subject to change. International sales/shipping may be subject to customs charges.
Additional Links with info on Skills and Practice
Book by Koreen Pagano: Building the Skills Based Organization
