In this episode, Jane Bozarth, e-learning designer and director, discusses evidence-based practices for learning businesses. Topics covered include debunking learning styles, introducing dual coding theory, the impact of growth mindset on learning, and balancing evidence-based practices with learner autonomy. Bozarth also shares their lifelong learning habits and recommends resources for professional growth.
Learning businesses should base their design choices on evidence-based practices, utilizing research like dual coding theory to enhance retention and understanding.
Educators and learning professionals must challenge the persistent belief in learning styles and focus on effective instructional methods, while considering potential pitfalls when relying on AI-generated content.
Deep dives
Evidence-Based Practices for Learning Businesses
Learning businesses should base their design choices on evidence-based practices. Jane Bose-Arth discusses the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest research in learning to bridge the gap between academic research and the design and delivery of learning experiences. She highlights the debunking of learning styles and the significance of evidence-based alternatives, such as dual coding theory. Additionally, Jane explores the impact of growth mindset on learners' perceptions and the role of artificial intelligence in learning.
The Role of the Learning Guild
The Learning Guild is a media company that offers various publications, including a free magazine called Learning Solutions, which provides updated content on learning and development. Jane Bose-Arth serves as the director of research at the Learning Guild, where she releases monthly research reports and collaborates with guest authors. The Learning Guild also hosts events, both online and in-person, that provide multiple learning opportunities for its members.
Debunking Learning Styles
Jane Bose-Arth addresses the misconception surrounding learning styles, emphasizing that research has shown that accommodating individual learning styles does not lead to improved learning outcomes. Instead, she advocates for the importance of using evidence-based practices, such as dual coding theory, which suggests that incorporating both visual and auditory elements in learning experiences enhances retention and understanding. Jane highlights the need for educators and learning professionals to challenge the persistent belief in learning styles and focus on effective instructional methods.
The Implications of AI in Learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize learning by offering adaptive experiences, generating alternative content formats, providing adaptive testing, and even writing test questions. AI can also support the creation of recommendation engines and adaptive intelligent tutoring. While AI presents exciting opportunities, caution is necessary when relying on AI-generated content, as the trustworthiness of the research citations generated by AI tools may not always be accurate.
Learning businesses should base their design choices on evidence-based practices. But keeping up with the latest research takes time and energy that many learning business professionals simply don’t have. Luckily, people like Jane Bozarth exist to help bridge the gap between academic research and the implications for the design and delivery of learning experiences.
Jane Bozarth has spent many years as a trainer, a facilitator, and an e-learning designer, and she currently serves as the director of research at the Learning Guild, where she puts out monthly reports.
In this episode of the Leading Learning Podcast, Jane talks with co-host Celisa Steele about learning styles and other myths, evidence-based alternatives to popular misconceptions, the growth mindset and whether learning businesses can help alter learners’ perceptions, and what artificial intelligence does well and where it falls short.