How People Learn: A New Model of Learning and Cognition to Improve Performance and Education by Nick Shackleton-Jones –

Introduction

In an era where the workplace is constantly evolving, the way we learn must keep pace. How People Learn: A New Model of Learning and Cognition to Improve Performance and Education by Nick Shackleton-Jones offers a fresh, science-backed perspective on designing learning experiences that truly stick. Whether you are an L&D professional, an educator, or a curious learner, this book provides a practical framework to rethink how knowledge is acquired, retained, and applied in real-world settings. Written for a global audience, it is especially relevant for Indian professionals navigating the shift to hybrid work and skill-based learning.

Book Overview

This second edition builds on the groundbreaking 5Di model—Define, Design, Develop, Deploy, and Deliver—to help readers create learning interventions that align with how the human brain actually works. Drawing on insights from neuroscience, behavioural science, and artificial intelligence, the book moves beyond traditional training methods to focus on what truly engages people. It emphasizes learning as a process of building meaningful mental models rather than just transferring information. The updated content addresses the challenges of a hybrid world, showing how to manage skills development when teams are distributed and work patterns have shifted permanently.

Key Highlights

• 5Di Model Framework – A step-by-step approach to designing learning that fits naturally into workflows.
• Neuroscience-Based Insights – Understand why people forget most training and how to make learning memorable.
• Practical Guidance for Hybrid Work – Strategies for engaging remote and in-office employees effectively.
• Simulations and Real-World Challenges – Use of immersive scenarios to replicate on-the-job problems.
• Updated for the Post-Pandemic Era – New material on changed workplaces, workers, and expectations.

Inside the Book

This hardcover edition is organized into clear, actionable chapters. It begins by debunking common myths about learning, then introduces the 5Di model with detailed case studies. You will find tools to assess your organization’s learning culture, templates for designing training programs, and methods to measure impact. The book also explores how AI can personalize learning paths and how simulations can bridge the gap between theory and practice. Each chapter ends with reflection questions and exercises, making it ideal for both individual study and team workshops.

Key Topics

• The science of how people learn and why most training fails
• Designing learning for emotional engagement and long-term retention
• Integrating learning into daily workflows without disrupting productivity
• Using AI and technology to scale personalized learning
• Building a learning culture in hybrid and remote teams
• Measuring learning outcomes beyond completion rates

Reader Benefits

• Gain a modern, research-backed understanding of cognition and learning.
• Learn to design training that employees actually want to engage with.
• Reduce wasted time and resources on ineffective learning programs.
• Improve performance and skills development in your organization.
• Stay ahead with strategies tailored for India’s growing hybrid workforce.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this book, readers will be able to: apply the 5Di model to create learning experiences that drive real behaviour change; identify cognitive biases and design interventions that overcome them; use simple techniques to make training stick without extra effort; adapt learning strategies for diverse teams across geographies; and evaluate the effectiveness of learning programs using meaningful metrics.

Who Should Read

This book is essential for L&D managers, HR professionals, trainers, instructional designers, and educators who want to move beyond traditional classroom methods. It is also valuable for business leaders looking to upskill their teams efficiently and for students of psychology or education interested in applied cognition. Indian readers working in corporate training, edtech, or academic institutions will find the practical examples and frameworks easy to adapt to local contexts.

About the Author

Nick Shackleton-Jones is a leading thinker in learning and development, with over two decades of experience designing learning solutions for global organizations. He has held senior roles at companies like BP and the BBC, and his work has been featured in major industry publications. Known for his engaging speaking style and evidence-based approach, he is a sought-after consultant and keynote speaker. His previous work has helped reshape how companies like Google and Deloitte think about employee learning.

About the Publisher

Kogan Page is a respected independent publisher based in the United Kingdom, specializing in business, management, and education books. With a reputation for publishing practical, research-driven content, Kogan Page serves professionals and students worldwide. Their titles are known for combining academic rigour with real-world applicability, making them a trusted source for Indian readers seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Conclusion

How People Learn is not just another training manual—it is a transformative guide for anyone who wants to understand the deeper mechanics of learning. With its blend of neuroscience, AI, and practical design, this book equips you to create learning experiences that matter. Whether you are revamping your organization’s training programs or simply want to learn more effectively yourself, this book offers the tools and insights to succeed. Order your hardcover copy from Bookshops.in today and start building a smarter approach to learning.