Compendium of Learning and Development Quizzes

Citation

Bowman, J. (2004), "Compendium of Learning and Development Quizzes", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 36 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.2004.03736fae.003

Compendium of Learning and Development Quizzes

Compendium of Learning and Development Quizzes

Sarah CookGower2003190 pp. (plus CD ROM)ISBN 056608540UK £75.00/US $129.95 (hardback)

Keywords: Training methods, Tests and testing

Review DOI 10.1108/00197850410556720

This interesting compendium of quizzes has been produced by Sarah Cook, A Management Development Consultant who has devised and used the quizzes in a number of training situations. As such the book covers a method of training that is not always exploited to its full value. The text includes 44 different quizzes across a wide range of skills-based topic areas that are summarized into a useful matrix at the beginning of the book. These topic areas include communication skills, customer service, health and safety, leadership, performance management, personal development, teamwork, recruitment and selection and finally training and development. There are also some useful hints on different approaches to using the quizzes. Therefore, text is of interest to trainers, facilitators and managers across a wide subject field.

The format of each exercise within the book is relatively similar. Each one starts with the aim of the exercise and then in some instances some limited information and knowledge for the trainer to input before the quiz is used. The majority of the questions are multi- choice based, and most, but not all have a suggested answer, with the reasoning when appropriate. Further recommended reading is provided in some instances.

The text is written in a reader-friendly style that is easy to understand and therefore provides the trainer with an off the shelf package that can be used simply and effectively. However, many of the questions posed are at a very basic level and will only be appropriate for groups with minimal or limited subject knowledge. Having said this, the simple nature of the materials and their potential for flexible use means that the ideas and frameworks suggested could be adapted by trainers for use with their own learning groups.

The material presented in the book can be reproduced for educational and training activities, and as such this is an attraction of the text. In addition the book contains a CD which enables copies of the exercises to be easily reproduced and printed.

Whilst it may prove more beneficial for trainers who have knowledge of their own learning groups to design and write their own quizzes, they may not always have time to do so. Consequently this book provides a simple approach and set of templates which can be practically applied in a number of learning situations and environments.

Jill Bowman