Measuring Instructional Results (The Mager Six-Pack) [Paperback]

Robert F. Mager (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1879618168 | ISBN-13: 978-1879618169 | Publication Date: May 1997 | Edition: 3

How do you know if your students have truly learned what you set out to teach? This text is designed for those who want to know how well their instruction works and how to develop the special tools they need to measure training and educational results. The author describes and illustrates a procedure of selecting or creating test items. Every chapter includes practice exercises and checklists to clarify further the tests and make sure you stay on track. The book contains many figures and step-by-step flowcharts that provide a handy reference whenever you are developing tools to measure instructional results.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

How can you know if your students have learned what you set out to teach them? Measuring the results of instruction and determining if your objectives have been achieved is the only way. In clear, jargon-free language, Robert Mager's popular and easy-to-read book shows you how to develop the tools you need to measure instructional results and demonstrate the value of your training.

From the Author

Regardless of how eloquent an instructor is or how clever the instructional procedures are, instruction is of little value unless its objectives are achieved. That is, unless students depart the instruction able to perform at least as well as the objectives require. This book is therefore designed to provide you with the tools you need to measure instructional success.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: Center for Effective Performance; 3 edition (May 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879618168
• ISBN-13: 978-1879618169
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #421,176 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tales of Teaching and Unicycles - Both Require a Steady Hand, June 26, 2000

By 

Ken Myers (Naperville, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Measuring Instructional Results (The Mager Six-Pack) (Paperback)

There is nothing that is more devastating to good instruction than a failure to achieve the performance you expected from your learner. No matter how carefully you craft an objective or present the material to support the instruction to meet that objective, there is no guarantee that the learner has mastered the objective unless you accurately measure the learner performance. Mager opens the book with his famous unicycle example. If someone has an objective to learn to ride a unicycle a set distance without falling, you should not test the learner on their ability to identify the parts of a unicycle. It is especially important in this age of technology-based instruction (TBT) that you carefully consider how you are testing the objectives stated in your instruction. Most computers cannot simulate riding a unicycle so you may be tempted to ask questions about the parts or the history of the unicycle. In this programmed text, Mager will help you refine your design skills so that you always know whether your test item is actually measuring your objective. Dr. Mager uses a programmed text approach, so there will be pages for everyone to read and pages that offer additional practice and assessment to help you master the skills taught. The real reason to adopt the skills Mager presents is not so you can be a better designer, it is to make sure that you are dealing fairly with the learner. Learners do not trust instruction that promises one thing and delivers another. Successful completion of this book, will better equip you to design and measure valid and successful instruction every time.

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-have for Learning Designers, December 11, 2011

By 

Donald J. Strimbu (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Measuring Instructional Results (The Mager Six-Pack) (Paperback)

Mager's texts are critical references for anyone working in the instructional design / learning design space. This includes those who, like me, are not professional IDs. No text can replace a college course, but Mager makes the subject come alive and - like a good ID must - gives multiple comprehensive knowledge checks to reinforce your learning (of how to measure learning). If you need to ensure that the things you are teaching are actually being learned, you need this book... also; don't forget Mager's "Preparing Instructional Objectives" Preparing Instructional Objectives: A Critical Tool in the Development of Effective Instruction - it's the pre-work for Measuring Instructional Results. These books dramatically increased our ability to build more effective sales training, and have effected positive change across our organization. Highly recommended.