What I especially like about "The Workplace Learner" is the logical, easy-to-follow layout of the contents. First, Rothwell's introductory discussion of training, learning, and performance in the workplace plus the discussion of the free agent learner and learning theory all provide a thorough grounding in the "as is" and the "to be's" of our profession.
Step-by step, Rothwell sets the stage for easy understanding and the building of individual learning competence by defining roles, competencies, and outputs of the workplace learner and then explains how to apply them. Next, the focus is on the all-important organizational climate and why it must be "workplace learning-friendly." Rothwell and several contributors do a magnificent job in explaining what the organization must do in order to make workplace learning a certified success. The last segment is a most essential "how-to" transform a training department into a LEARNING department.
In addition to the Rothwellian style of "demystifying" all the terms and concepts, what really brings value to this book are the more than 50 exhibits that turn this text into an actual workbook...with tons of worksheets, too. As a recognized "workplace learning and performance" guru and author, this text is Rothwell at his finest in converting the seemingly complex into an easy-to-read living blueprint for building your working knowledge of the workplace learner...complete with all the tools to apply it in your organization.