Supporting Evidence - Annotated Resource Review

Waitzkin, J. (2008). The art of learning: a journey in the pursuit of excellence. London: Simon & Schuster.

Josh Waitzkin is a form chess world champion (the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer is about his life) as well as a Tai Chi Chuan world champion. This book is a fascinating read about his journey to performing at world-class levels in multiple disciplines and his approach to learning. Very insightful and full of high-level thinking about personal and professional development.

Mang, P. (2016). Regenerative development and design: a framework for evolving sustainability. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc.

I would consider this an absolute must-read for anyone looking to work from the regenerative paradigm. Well laid out principles, patterns and case studies in a very accessible book. My primary interest for this report was applying the principles and approaches from this work to designing learning experiences.

Dirksen, J. (2016). Design for how people learn. San Francisco: New Riders.

This is a recent publication that outlines the latest research related to learning experience design and reflects on practices that align with these insights. Easy read, excellent for anyone working in education or human development.

Oka, M., & Soosalu, G. A. (2013). MBraining: using your multiple brains to do cool stuff. Loch Sport, Vic.: TimeBinding Publications.

One of the most interesting reads for me in recent years. Research-based exploration of how we use our 3 brains (head, heart and gut) to think, make important decisions and learn. Some fascinating connections for me to designing learning experiences.

Brown, P. C. (2014). Make it stick the science of successful learning. Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.

A great look at how we learn best according to the latest research. Dives into approaches such as chunking, spacing, and interweaving - full of good insights and practical applications for teachers and learning systems/experience designers.

Wahl, D. C. (2016). Designing regenerative cultures. Axminster, England: Triarchy Press.

Another must-read for any type of regenerative practitioner. Full of references to other thinkers and practices, thought-inspiring questions, and a very insightful resource for those looking to better understand the regenerative paradigm and the catch up with the latest thinking from leaders in the field. Also, Gaia U is mentioned!

Bean, C. (2014). The accidental instructional designer. Alexandria, VA: ASTD Press.

Great book for anyone looking to work in the field of instructional design. Cammy Bean shares her very relatable story and shares lessons insights, and practices she's picked up over the years as she's grown into a leader in the industry.

Pressfield, S. (2012). The war of art: break through the blocks and win your inner creative battles. New York: Black Irish Entertainment.

I consider this one of the most important reads of my life, and it came along at just the right time for me. Pressfield articulates the creative's struggle with 'Resistance' - guiding and encouraging his reader to face it, to show up like a pro and do the work, and to let go of amateurish approaches to creative work.

Gottschall, J. (2013). The storytelling animal: how stories make us human. Boston: Mariner Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

 A fascinating exploration of how we as humans are wired to understand ourselves and the world through storytelling. In-depth look at the science supporting this and some really intriguing connections to designing learning experiences.

Pink, D. H. (2006). A whole new mind: how to thrive in the new conceptual age. London: Cyan.

A very enlightening read about how we must confront modern challenges such as automation, abundance, and outsourcing by learning new skills associated with the right side of our brains: design, story, meaning, play, symphony (similar to systems thinking) and empathy.

Mehl-Madrona, L., & Mainguy, B. (2015). Remapping your mind: the neuroscience of self-transformation through story. Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions.

The author is a Native American psychiatrist would has dedicated himself to integrating the storytelling traditions of his cultural heritage into his modern practice. Very eye-opening read. The research is very well documented and cited and there are tons of gems here for anyone interested in using storytelling/narrative in creating transformative learning experiences.

Allen, M. W., & Sites, R. H. (2012). Leaving ADDIE for SAM: an agile model for developing the best learning experiences. Alexandria, VA: American Society for Training and Development.

In-depth guide to using the Successive Approximation Model (SAM) for designing learning experiences, and how it is different from popular approaches such as ADDIE.

Maturana, H. R., & Varela, F. J. (2008). The tree of knowledge: the biological roots of human understanding. Boston: Shambhala.

An incredibly fascinating work on the nature of knowledge, building of of the authors' Santiago Theory of Cognition and work with living systems evolution. Somewhat dense at times - one of those reads that will take a lifetime of reading and rereading.

Chatti, M. A., Jarke, M., & Quix, C. (2010). Connectivism: the network metaphor of learning. International Journal of Learning Technology, 5(1), 80. doi:10.1504/ijlt.2010.031617

Article on the relatively new learning theory of Connectivism - the idea that knowledge is not just created within the individual (as a response to constructivism), but rather exists and is created throughout networks.

Hodgson, V., Laat, M. D., Mcconnell, D., & Ryberg, T. (2013). Researching Design, Experience and Practice of Networked Learning: An Overview. The Design, Experience and Practice of Networked Learning, 1-26. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-01940-6_1

Comprehensive overview of Networked Learning and recent research on the topic.