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Training from the Back of the Room!: 65 Ways to Step Aside and Let Them Learn
From Sharon L. Bowman, the author of the best-selling Ten-Minute Trainer, comes the dynamic new book, Training from the BACK of the Room! This innovative resource introduces 65 training strategies that are guaranteed to deliver outstanding training results no matter what the topic, group, or learning environment. Now, trainers can replace the traditional Trainers talk; learners listen paradigm with a radical new model for designing and delivering instruction: When learners talk and teach, they learn.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
134 people are currently reading
1266 people want to read
About the author
Sharon L. Bowman
14 books20 followersSharon Bowman is the president of Bowperson Publishing & Training, Inc. She has been a professional speaker, author, teacher, and trainer for almost forty years. She works with businesses and educational institutions that want to offer exceptional in-house training and professional development programs.
Sharon is a popular speaker at both the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) and the Training Magazine Events annual conferences. She is the author of eight popular training books, including the best-selling Pfeiffer/Wiley books titled The Ten-Minute Trainer and Training from the BACK of the Room. Her newest book is Using Brain Science to Make Training Stick.
Sharon practices what she preaches by facilitating highly-interactive, informative, and unforgettable learning experiences. Whether the format is a conference keynote or breakout session, a half-day, full-day, or multi-day training, or webinars and other online learning venues, learners never sit long: they actively participate throughout the entire learning event. The experience is always EPIC: emotional, participatory, image-rich, and connected to their lives.
Join Sharon at one of her learning events and your teaching or training life will change forever!
Sharon is a popular speaker at both the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) and the Training Magazine Events annual conferences. She is the author of eight popular training books, including the best-selling Pfeiffer/Wiley books titled The Ten-Minute Trainer and Training from the BACK of the Room. Her newest book is Using Brain Science to Make Training Stick.
Sharon practices what she preaches by facilitating highly-interactive, informative, and unforgettable learning experiences. Whether the format is a conference keynote or breakout session, a half-day, full-day, or multi-day training, or webinars and other online learning venues, learners never sit long: they actively participate throughout the entire learning event. The experience is always EPIC: emotional, participatory, image-rich, and connected to their lives.
Join Sharon at one of her learning events and your teaching or training life will change forever!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 3, 2024
The book in a nutshell:
1. Before the training, use an activity to engage the learners with the material.
2. During the training, teach them only what they need to know, keep each part very short, then break it up with an interactive exercise.
3. End the training with teach-back activities.
4. After the training, stay in touch with the group to nudge them toward actually using what they learned.
That's the whole book really, though it does have lots of “ways to step aside an let them learn.” Out of the 65 activities, I connected with (and will try to use) about a dozen.
UPDATE (some 4.5 years later): There are three “ways” (from the initial “Concepts” section) that I find myself using almost daily:
Ten-Minute Rule: Divide your material into short segments of about ten minutes in length. This ensures increased attention, motivation, and retention of important information.
Three before Me: When a learner asks a question during the lecture, stop and say, “Before I answer this question, let’s take three answers from the group.” Accept all answers, then add your own one to the mix.
Rapid Response: Pause during the lecture and ask the learners to state five facts they feel are the most important. Accept all facts, unless they are incorrect.
1. Before the training, use an activity to engage the learners with the material.
2. During the training, teach them only what they need to know, keep each part very short, then break it up with an interactive exercise.
3. End the training with teach-back activities.
4. After the training, stay in touch with the group to nudge them toward actually using what they learned.
That's the whole book really, though it does have lots of “ways to step aside an let them learn.” Out of the 65 activities, I connected with (and will try to use) about a dozen.
UPDATE (some 4.5 years later): There are three “ways” (from the initial “Concepts” section) that I find myself using almost daily:
Ten-Minute Rule: Divide your material into short segments of about ten minutes in length. This ensures increased attention, motivation, and retention of important information.
Three before Me: When a learner asks a question during the lecture, stop and say, “Before I answer this question, let’s take three answers from the group.” Accept all answers, then add your own one to the mix.
Rapid Response: Pause during the lecture and ask the learners to state five facts they feel are the most important. Accept all facts, unless they are incorrect.
December 23, 2016
This book comes highly recommended, and I'm certain that I need it, yet it doesn't work for me at all.
I occasionally do highly technical training (in advanced computer programming), and while I'm on firm footing when it comes to my knowledge of the technical material, I have no illusions about my abilities as a trainer. Sometimes I manage to keep my students engaged, but it also happens that I fail to catch their attention. Certainly, I could do better, so I'd hoped this book would help me.
Perhaps it will. I have no problem with its message, but I absolutely can't stand the way it's delivered.
First, the book is ugly. As an adult, well-educated person, I shouldn't let that affect me, but I can't help it. I constantly had the impression that the book is set in Comic Sans. It isn't, but somehow it feels that way. Wide margins, plenty of white space, and extensive use of clip art has that effect, I suppose. It simply looks cheap to a degree that distracts from the message.
Second, it's repetitive. It states the same points over and over. It's repetitive. It repeats points. It's repetitive.
Third, it leaves me feeling more inadequate than before. I clearly understand what I do wrong as a trainer, but I don't know what to do instead. Sure, the book boasts "65 ways to step aside and let [students] learn", but most of the practical ideas seem like they're aimed at a different type of training.
The basic premise of the book is that "learning is finding out what you already know". While I don't take such an assertion at face value, I can see how it would apply to corporate training like introductions for new hires, compliance training, instruction in procedure, etc. How this tenet can be applied to teaching property-based testing, category theory, and like topics, is unclear to me.
Granted, there are some ideas in the book that made me think. It may ultimately change how I teach, so reading it may have been a worthwhile effort, but I had a hard time getting through it.
I occasionally do highly technical training (in advanced computer programming), and while I'm on firm footing when it comes to my knowledge of the technical material, I have no illusions about my abilities as a trainer. Sometimes I manage to keep my students engaged, but it also happens that I fail to catch their attention. Certainly, I could do better, so I'd hoped this book would help me.
Perhaps it will. I have no problem with its message, but I absolutely can't stand the way it's delivered.
First, the book is ugly. As an adult, well-educated person, I shouldn't let that affect me, but I can't help it. I constantly had the impression that the book is set in Comic Sans. It isn't, but somehow it feels that way. Wide margins, plenty of white space, and extensive use of clip art has that effect, I suppose. It simply looks cheap to a degree that distracts from the message.
Second, it's repetitive. It states the same points over and over. It's repetitive. It repeats points. It's repetitive.
Third, it leaves me feeling more inadequate than before. I clearly understand what I do wrong as a trainer, but I don't know what to do instead. Sure, the book boasts "65 ways to step aside and let [students] learn", but most of the practical ideas seem like they're aimed at a different type of training.
The basic premise of the book is that "learning is finding out what you already know". While I don't take such an assertion at face value, I can see how it would apply to corporate training like introductions for new hires, compliance training, instruction in procedure, etc. How this tenet can be applied to teaching property-based testing, category theory, and like topics, is unclear to me.
Granted, there are some ideas in the book that made me think. It may ultimately change how I teach, so reading it may have been a worthwhile effort, but I had a hard time getting through it.
June 28, 2020
“Stop talking, so others can start learning” is probably the key phrase of this book. I am amazed at how this book walks its talk and is structured in a understandable and truely engaging way! Designing trainings in 4 steps (Connections, Concepts, Concrete Practices and Conclusions) is both concrete and actionable! I hope this book will be read by many more trainers. Highly recommended!
January 27, 2019
Útil como material de consulta, mas leitura custosa
Achei o conteúdo útil para quem trabalha com aulas e treinamentos, mas a maioria das práticas parecem chatas ou bobinhas. Achei o livro chato de se ler também...
Parece que umas poucas instruções sobre treinamentos, de forma resumida, teria sido mais útil ( acompanhada de um catálogo de variantes para lições).
Achei o conteúdo útil para quem trabalha com aulas e treinamentos, mas a maioria das práticas parecem chatas ou bobinhas. Achei o livro chato de se ler também...
Parece que umas poucas instruções sobre treinamentos, de forma resumida, teria sido mais útil ( acompanhada de um catálogo de variantes para lições).
February 23, 2020
This book for me considered one of the main reference books and a source to give you insight how to teach an interactive course. It will help you with 65 different techniques to make the class interactive without being the center or the focus of the class.
I wish the book was shorter as sometimes I got very bored.
I wish the book was shorter as sometimes I got very bored.
August 2, 2018
Great book. Restored my faith in trainings ;)
And now I know why I disliked many of the trainings I've been to.
Inspired me to apply this when I will run a training.
And now I know why I disliked many of the trainings I've been to.
Inspired me to apply this when I will run a training.
October 5, 2025
one of my top reads of 2025 for sure. packed with super informative yet practical tips that make learning an engaging and enjoyable process, rather than one of dread and reactiveness.
September 19, 2017
I struggled through the first few chapters, learnt a bit from the rest, and managed to adopt one or two ideas.
August 23, 2018
Do you want to deliver successful trainings that stick in the participants minds?
This is a fantastic and incredible helpful book for trainers. All those who still use presentations with slide shows in their trainings should definitely read this book. It will give them an understanding how humans really learn and a bunch of ideas and concrete practices to improve the structure of their trainings. But even those who already use interactive training techniques will probably gather new insights and ideas for lecturing from the back of the room.
This is a fantastic and incredible helpful book for trainers. All those who still use presentations with slide shows in their trainings should definitely read this book. It will give them an understanding how humans really learn and a bunch of ideas and concrete practices to improve the structure of their trainings. But even those who already use interactive training techniques will probably gather new insights and ideas for lecturing from the back of the room.
January 25, 2019
This book is a great addition to Learning 3.0 – How Creative Workers Learn. Read it, if you are involved in education. The book offers a simple, 4-step framework for creating brain-friendly learning environments. 4C – Connections, Concepts, Concrete Practice, Conclusions.
Since the book is repetitive, avoid wasting your precious time:
1) Start from the beginning and read carefully until you understand 4C principle
2) Continue reading with 2x speed and look for concrete implementation examples
3) Slow down at Nice-to-Know section (some nice ideas are there, such as The World Cafe)
Done!
Since the book is repetitive, avoid wasting your precious time:
1) Start from the beginning and read carefully until you understand 4C principle
2) Continue reading with 2x speed and look for concrete implementation examples
3) Slow down at Nice-to-Know section (some nice ideas are there, such as The World Cafe)
Done!
December 2, 2018
Foundational. Sharon's superb contribution to those of us who speak and teach to groups. Everyody learns differently, but no one learns from DBP (death by powerpoint).
Check out my TBRCal.com site for blogs and certified Training from the Back of the Room! classes.
Check out my TBRCal.com site for blogs and certified Training from the Back of the Room! classes.
August 23, 2017
Книга про эффективное построение обучения: тренинга, лекции, дистанционного курса и т.д. Основная мысль: обучение - это процесс созидания. Человек хуже всего учится чему-либо, пассивно слушая, но в то же время многие образовательные форматы построены именно с принципом "обучателя" в центре процесса. Согласно особенностям нашего мозга, мы учимся эффективнее, когда учим кого-то другого. Здесь мне вспоминается пирамида обучения Дейла. В книге приводится концепция построения эффективного обучения 4C и примеры практик по каждому элементу.
Возможно, для опытного образованца книга покажется негустой на мысли, но мне важно было понять и еще раз убедиться, что тренер - это не говорящая голова, а строитель процесса, где обучение происходит без его прямого участия.
Возможно, для опытного образованца книга покажется негустой на мысли, но мне важно было понять и еще раз убедиться, что тренер - это не говорящая голова, а строитель процесса, где обучение происходит без его прямого участия.
December 19, 2019
Invites a plethora of engaging activities that activate how the adult brain learns! This methodology was used for a one week Bootcamp I attended and even though each day was about 10 hours, I stayed energized and retained more information than I ever have through typical lectures. Will be using these techniques next semester in my class and at work. Highly recommend for anyone who teaches or conducts training.
January 8, 2022
This is a great book for any trainer, being a starter or very experienced.
I've read the book because I wanted to redesign one of my trainings using the concepts in the book. Most of the theory behind the concepts were not new to me, but the concepts themselves are great.
I will definitely go back to this book for other trainings I am going to redesign.
I've read the book because I wanted to redesign one of my trainings using the concepts in the book. Most of the theory behind the concepts were not new to me, but the concepts themselves are great.
I will definitely go back to this book for other trainings I am going to redesign.
October 30, 2023
Good Book.
A good take on training. In general, stop lecturing and make it more interactive - if I had to sum it up in a sentence. The book elaborates a lot more on how to do that and gives a bunch of exercises that you can use.
I will definitely be using some of the ideas in my next training.
A good take on training. In general, stop lecturing and make it more interactive - if I had to sum it up in a sentence. The book elaborates a lot more on how to do that and gives a bunch of exercises that you can use.
I will definitely be using some of the ideas in my next training.
May 27, 2018
Okay. That was super slow ride for me...
The book is HUGE! It's fundamental and complex to get it in a first/single read.
I'm using it as a handbook already for trainings design and that's just a tip of the iceberg.
The book is HUGE! It's fundamental and complex to get it in a first/single read.
I'm using it as a handbook already for trainings design and that's just a tip of the iceberg.
August 26, 2018
An interesting perspective on training. Clearly presents modern science how brain learns, suggests many ways how to make learners participate in knowledge passing. Some parts however seem biased by author's experience, so in my opinion you need to carefully pick what will work for you.
July 9, 2021
Innovative content, nicely written.
If you're teaching in any way (even remote), this book will help you design your training better.
If you had a hard time in school, this book will help you understand why.
Overall a great book, but it misses an index, to look up certain words/phrases.
If you're teaching in any way (even remote), this book will help you design your training better.
If you had a hard time in school, this book will help you understand why.
Overall a great book, but it misses an index, to look up certain words/phrases.
July 26, 2021
As a coach I didn't know that I didn't know a lot of crucial aspects while creating courses or speeches. With this book you will be able to recognize the difference between content delivery from a learning experience and how to apply this to do a more effective work.
July 20, 2018
Pure gold for every training and workshop facilitator!
August 30, 2018
This book is great to use it as a handbook while you are preparing for training. One reading is definitely not enough.
November 2, 2020
Awesome book, full of tips about how to engage the audience and how to help your trainees to better understand and learn new things. Love it!
December 24, 2020
One of the books that changed my facilitation and training for ever.
January 4, 2021
God bog med gode pointer, men også rigtig mange gentagelser. Gode konkrete forslag til hvordan man kan gøre sin undervisning bedre.
May 2, 2021
Great resource for facilitators who are looking for learner-centric training ideas
June 16, 2021
Excellent structured book, excellent training! It has really improved my lesson planning.
March 15, 2022
Such a great book on training. I just wish I had read it earlier. My trainings could have been way more effective. Yet, I know now 👍
December 9, 2022
A must for trainers teachers and facilitators. Just encourages to review your sessions and make them more effective.
December 23, 2022
Classic stuff.
May 28, 2023
Revolutionary, provocatively and following coaching mindset.
Must read for those who wanna be a trainer or currently is a trainer.
Must read for those who wanna be a trainer or currently is a trainer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews