What is a key consideration when selecting outside resource materials for training?

When selecting outside resource materials for training, relevance to instructional goals is crucial because the materials need to align with what you aim to teach and the skills you want the participants to acquire. If the resources do not directly support the instructional objectives, the training may lack focus and effectiveness. A strong connection between the materials and the goals ensures that learners can apply what they study in a meaningful way, leading to better retention and application of knowledge.

While considerations such as cost-effectiveness, public availability, and popularity among peers can play a role in the selection process, they do not supersede the fundamental requirement that resources must serve the instructional goals. Selecting materials purely based on their availability or peer popularity might divert attention from the actual learning outcomes and the specific needs of the learners.