Hello,
Today’s interview is with Brent A. Anders, Ph.D, Author of The Army Learning Concept, Army Learning Model: A Guide to Understanding and Implementation.
Please enjoy!
Best,
-Vincent Lowry
Interview:
1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?
My author name is Brent A. Anders, Ph.D. I was living in Kansas but am now living in Yerevan, Armenia for a while, working with the U.S. Embassy for the time being.
2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?
My newest book is called The Army Learning Concept, Army Learning Model: A Guide to Understanding and Implementation. It is a non-fiction information book.
3) What is the book about?
This book presents interesting and applicable insights into how the Army views education and the process of learning. It is written in an easy to follow manner and explains different educational concepts and techniques for anyone to use to enhance the instructional and learning process. Its four main concepts revolve around Motivation, Interaction, Critical Thinking, and Experiential Learning. In addition to detailed explanations, first-hand accounts/stories, and visuals, usable implementation guides are provided to help readers harness the Army Learning Concept, Army Learning Model to enhance their educational endeavors to improve learning, the educational experience, and long-term retention.
4) Where did you come up with the idea?
I currently serve in the U.S. Army and wanted to create a document that would help Army instructors, facilitators as well as civilian professors and corporate trainers improve their instructional capabilities and improve the overall educational experience for both teachers and the students.
5) How long did it take you to write it?
I’ve been actively taking notes and slowly putting together this book for the past 5 years. It is a culmination of my years as a certified Army instructor and Senior Noncommissioned officer across multiple deployments all over the world.
6) Did you learn anything from the project?
Yes, I believe that anyone can learn something if they take the time to write it down. We learn a lot through researching for a project as well as through reflection and understanding of our own thoughts and feelings. I used a multiple of stories to help illustrate different thoughts and ideas throughout this book; that required a lot of self-reflection and contemplative thought.
7) Do you have an author website and/or blog?
I have an author website that also serves as an educational blog. Viewers can learn about me, read my educational articles, and find out more information about my other books at http://sovorelpublishing.com
8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?
First, create an outline/table of contents to serve as a road map for your writing overall. Other than that, my main success tip would be to treat the book writing project as a scheduled part of your day. From this certain time to this certain time should be your writing/research time. This way, slowly but surely, you will get closer and closer to your end goal. I designed and illustrated my own books and my beautiful, highly educated, and attention-to-detail wife works as my editor.
9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?
I mainly read books dealing with education, critical thinking, and presentation skills. Yes, I would be open to reading new authors and reviewing their work.
10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?
That’s a tough question. I have read and enjoyed many books so it is hard to pinpoint a favorite. I don’t think I can fully narrow it down. I learned a lot from “Motivational Design for Learning and Performance: The ARCS Model Approach” by John M. Keller, as well as from the Holy Bible and its different techniques of presenting information such as through direct instruction, allegory, storytelling, etc. I also really enjoyed the fictional work “Ready Player One,” by Ernest Cline. It made a lot of references to the ’80s and ’90s which were a major part of my childhood.
11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?
No pets for me.
12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?
I have a Kindle Fire HD and I very much enjoy it. The screen is very clear and easy to read. I would recommend it to everyone.
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Vincent