The LDA Podcast: An Exploration of Evidence-Informed Approaches to Learning and Development

The “ASK QUESTIONS” Episode

In this episode, Will goes away... to the beach. So, while I waited for him to return, Thiagi and I recorded a segment where we discuss the role of the learner. We share client examples, overcoming pushback from stakeholders who don’t initially accept the idea of learner-led approaches, and effect of leveraging learners in the classroom as evaluators (which helps them cement their comprehension, memory of the material, decision making while applying the concepts, and more. We also detour and talk about the distinction between performance versus and business outcomes. Thiagi refers to Thomas F. Gilbert, a psychologist and the founder of the performance technology- (HPT- Human Performance Technology). Thiagi refers to mindfulness. We don’t talk about it, but if you are interested in the topic, check out Carol Dweck’s book, MINDSET, THE NEW PSYCHOLOGY OF SUCCESS. We also reference Professor Chuck Petranek and his amazing simulation, Sex on the Beach, a social simulation about sexual behavior and AIDS.Will does eventually return, a bit sunburned. And, for that segment, we are joined by Patti Shank. https://www.pattishank.com. Patti is an evidence-based learning and development expert who focuses on “doing what works.” As she puts it, she “uses science to improve the results from instruction.”We discuss the merit and method of asking effective questions to drive, as Patti calls it, deeper learning. The conversation, of course, weaves through her typical theme of better practice, feedback, and memory. She discusses mistakes used when developing test questions and how to make those better. We go even deeper exploring what exactly is an assessment and how do questions play into them- which of course leads to a clarification of what are learning objectives. In the episode, Patti refers to Noted nutritionist, Zoe Harcombe, who can be found at...  http://www.zoeharcombe.com. Patti joins us for The Best and the Worst of the Week. Will references Scott H. Young’s new book, Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career. 

The ”We Should Be Journalists” Episode

In our fifth episode, we go long… maybe too long! 😜 But, we got on a roll. We have lots of guests, a heated debate, and more. In Segment One, we go meta. We discuss why we should actually be negative. In other words, why it’s good to debunk, challenge, question, and even attack ideas. We discuss the pros and cons and why many in our field are so adverse to negativity. In Segment Two, Will conducts two separate interviews. In both, he explores whether we should do more investigative journalism in the L&D field. How can we ensure we are indeed doing all the right things? The first is with Ryan Watkins, co-host of the Parsing Science podcast and a professor in Educational Technology Leadership at George Washington University. Ryan also has an amazing website at We Share Science.The second is with Truth in Learning friend, Julie Dirksen. Julie is a research to practice guru. She is the author of DESIGN FOR HOW PEOPLE LEARN. Check out her cool website, Usable Learning.‎In Segment Three, we each share our top three research-based learning facts. What should we design into our learning programs to make them most effective.And, of course, we end with the Best and the Worst of the week. ‎We also referenced several times an article Will wrote called Donald Kirkpatrick was NOT the Originator of the Four-Level Model of Learning Evaluation. This one could possibly change your life!‎Matt mentions Self-Determination Theory, a model for why we do what we do. Here is a link to an article he wrote on How Learners Are Motivated. You can also learn a ton about motivation and specifically the model here, at the Center for Self-Determination Theory. We mention Mike Taylor and his wonderfully info-packed website. Here is the link… https://mike-taylor.org. 

The ”Rats Vs. Hamsters” Episode

In this episode, we discuss Will’s rat problem and the differences between rats and hamsters. Yes… you read that correctly. Don’t worry, this part of the podcast goes pretty quickly and we do indeed get to the good stuff. In the first segment, we chew on how to evaluate specific models, tools, or resources. During this segment, Matt refers to a course he took on Coursera  by Scott E. Page from the University of Michigan called MODEL THINKING. Then, in segment two, we pull a bait and switch… we tell you we are going to talk about what makes a training objective a good training objective and what is actually the goal of training itself. We cover a little of this, but then we get derailed. We get into a debate about the differences between education and training. It’s not as simple as one thinks.Finally, we talk about what makes a  trainer great. What are the characteristics and features of the best of the best? We are joined by Matt’s daughter, Lia, who has a particularly insightful and interesting perspective on this topic. We end with the Best and the worst. Lia stays with us to give hers, as well. 

The ”I am a...” Episode

In Episode Three, we tackle the question of using NPS (Net Promoter Score) as an evaluation tool for learning and development programs. First, we define what it is and explore how it is being applied (too often inappropriately). In segment two, we get philosophical. In practice, in business, and particularly in L&D, is it becoming more and more difficult to disagree with each other? Can we even do so? Should we? Well, of course..., but how should we go about it in a meaningful, yet supportive way? In segment three we are joined by Thiagi. We explore what labels we should use when describing what we do. Trainer, designer, consultant? Other terms? Will offers a solution. Thiagi asks several practical questions. And, finally, we all (Thiagi, too) share our best and worst of the week- although Thiagi shares his from long ago. 

Fact or Fiction

Will and Matt continue the name debate, but eventually land on TRUTH IN LEARNING. Segment One explores the usage of assessments like MBTI, DiSC, and other tools used in business. Why them? Are end-users clear about their purposes and the consequences of using them? For example- can these tools be used in hiring situations? They also discuss The Big Five as an alternative model and tool. In the second segment, they target Leadership. What is it, and can it be developed? Should it be. What are the consequences of leadership development absent clear definitions for leadership? The context is everything. In segment three, they explore the responsibility of L&D trade associations. Are they living up to their espoused goals? Are they ethical? Are they useful? And finally, a new epilogue segment... The Best and the Worst.

The Learning Empire

The inaugural episode of Truth in Learning. Meet Will. Meet Matthew. We introduce the show and share some of our goals and possible directions for the program. In the second segment, Will chats with the esteemed Connie Malamed about secrets of good L&D podcasting- something Will and Matt definitely need to learn! Connie wrote the wonderful book, Visual Design Solutions: Principles and Creative Inspiration for Learning Professionals. Before our third segment, Will takes a detour to share some research on brainstorming. In the third segment, Matt rails against those in the industry who claim that flawed learning tools and debunked models they like work- even in the face of contradicting evidence. Will and Matt use DiSC as a platform for the discussion. As an epilogue, Thiagi shares an oral essay on evidence-based learning. Share any comments you have below. Check out Will’s new Learning Transfer Evaluation Model.Click here for Connie’s website. Along with tons of great information (including her book), you can also find her wonderful podcast, ELC, the eLearning Coach. Worth several listens!