Podcasts about how people learn

In this episode, we answer questions that ChatGPT has generated based on our podcast. Things that bring us joy this week: Advice for New Fauclty Members by Robert Boice Wrexham vs Sunderland Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

Ten years, 500 shows, countless guests. To celebrate our anniversary, we're releasing a special four-part series looking back at the evolution of L&D. In part one, Ross G and Ross D are joined by friend-of-the-show Julie Dirksen to revisit our early years. We discuss: whether L&D has yet become 'evidence-based' dumb ideas we fall for, get over, and fall for again evidence-based orthodoxies which we once believed, but now aren't so sure about. During the discussion, we referenced the Mehrabian fallacy, problems with the forgetting curve, and how psychologst Anders Ericsson improved his memory by forming connections with running times. In 'What I Learned This Week', Ross D referenced A History of the United States in 100 Objects, a podcast collaboration between the BBC and 99% Invisible. He wants you to know that his description of the 'screws' episode is inaccurate. Ross G discussed the carrier pigeon-based social media app Roost. Next week, we'll be revisiting our second Era: The pandemic years. You can find details of Julie's books, Design for How People Learn and Talk to the Elephant, at our website usablelearning.com Like the show? You'll love our newsletter! Subscribe to The L&D Dispatch now. And if you want to work with us, please do visit mindtools-kineo.com or find us on LinkedIn. We'd love to hear from you. Connect with our speakers     If you'd like to share your thoughts on this episode, connect with us on LinkedIn: Ross Dickie Ross Garner Julie Dirksen

This week we celebrate our 300th episode by looking back at how it all began, how our focus remains on how people learn and then going many places you would not expect (as usual). Things that bring us joy this week: Summer Festival Season Meeting the Universe Halfway: Quantum Physics and the Entanglement of Matter and Meaning by Karen Barad Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

In this episode, we revisit the unionization efforts at Penn State University. Things that bring us joy this week: Welcome to Wrexham Project Hail Mary Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

This week we talk about the surprisingly prescient article from John Dewey in Science Education from 1916. Why did we not listen to him? Things that bring us joy this week: Season 1 of Doctor Who on Tubi All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

In this episode, we discuss what makes a good commencement speech. Things that bring us joy this week: Reformer Pilates Wolf Hour by Jo Nesbo Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

This week we talk about the tension between fairness and flexibility when deciding about what kind of work people do and how we count it. Things that bring us joy this week: Noah Kahan Out of Body on Netflix and The Great Divide Glyph Word Game Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

In this episode, we discuss an article that outlines a framework for examining human-centered technology. Article: Guest, O. (2026). What Does ‘Human-Centred AI' Mean? Behavioral Sciences, 16(4), 583. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040583 Things that bring us joy this week: Big Mistakes Day of the Jackal Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

This week we talk about deficit framing that researchers and teachers often take when doing their work. Framing students in terms of what they don't know instead of what they do know. Things that bring us joy this week: Detective Hole on Netflix Altered Carbon on Netflix Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

In this episode, we meet with Dr. Brett Criswell from West Chester University to discuss "professional noticing." Brett references his recent article in the New Educator. Some other books Brett references include: The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker On Looking by Alexandra Horowitz Slow Looking by Shari Tishman Objectivity by Lorraine Daston and Peter Galison Skilled Vision by Cristina Grasseni Things that bring us joy this week: The Great Upheaval An Evening with Alton Brown Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally BlindSpecial Guest: Brett Criswell.

The week we talk about scaling/impact, in other words how we think about innovation moving across educational systems. Things that bring us joy this week: Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System in Baseball Michigan Basketball (Now National Champions!) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

In this episode, we discuss the pedagogical implications of AI use. Things that bring us joy this week: Red Rising A Swim in a Pond in the Rain Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

Stop Talking to the RiderJulie Dirksen over gedragsverandering, de olifant in de kamer en waarom weten nooit genoeg isVan Jeanne Als je ooit voor een groep hebt gestaan, een sessie hebt gegeven waar je echt trots op was, en twee weken later niets veranderd zag — dan is deze aflevering voor jou. Precies dat overkwam mij vroeg in mijn loopbaan. Ik gaf een training van twee uur die mensen bijna de zaal uitjoeg om een nieuw product te gaan verkopen. Twee weken later: nul. Achteraf bleek dat niemand er een bonus voor kreeg. Ik had die vraag nooit gesteld.Julie Dirksen heeft meer dan vele jaren lang precies die vraag gesteld. Ze is de auteur van Design for How People Learn, een klassieker in het vak, en van Talk to the Elephant: wat doe je als mensen weten wat ze moeten doen, maar het toch niet doen? Ik verspreid dat boek overal. Het is zo goed.We namen dit gesprek op in het Engels, en ik ben blij dat we dat deden. Julie is scherp, warm en heeft de gave om gedragswetenschap meteen bruikbaar te laten voelen. Ik hoop dat je er net zoveel aan hebt als ik.Over Julie Dirksen Julie Dirksen heeft een master in Instructional Systems Technology van Indiana University. Ze heeft tientallen jaren organisaties geholpen met het ontwerpen van leren dat gedrag echt verandert, en werd erkend als Guild Master door de e-Learning Guild. Haar boeken gelden als verplichte kost voor iedereen in learning and development.Wat je in deze aflevering hoort  De vraag die Julie niet los kon laten na haar eerste boek: wat doe je als mensen weten wat ze moeten doen, maar het nog steeds niet doen?De Olifant-en-Ruiter-metafoor, oorspronkelijk van Jonathan Haidt, en waarom de meeste leerinterventies alleen met de Ruiter praten terwijl de Olifant verveeld zijn Instagram checkt.De twee factoren die Julie nog nooit heeft gemist bij een moeilijk gedragsveranderingsprobleem: concurrerende prioriteiten en vertraagde of afwezige feedback.De change ladder: een praktisch kader om te diagnosticeren waar mensen werkelijk staan, van niet weten tot weten maar niet overtuigd, tot overtuigd maar vastgelopen, tot praktische ondersteuning nodig hebben, tot gewoonte opbouwen en onderhouden.Waarom meer informatie geven, luider en nadrukkelijker, bijna nooit het antwoord is.Hoe je het gesprek ombuigt als collega's of opdrachtgevers beginnen met het de schuld geven aan deelnemers.Actieplanning versus positieve visualisatie: waarom jezelf succesvol inbeelden veel minder werkt dan nadenken over alles wat je zou kunnen tegenhouden.AI en defaults: waarom mensen veel beter zijn in het genereren van content dan in het kritisch controleren ervan, en wat dat betekent voor hoe we deze tools gebruiken.Een vooruitblik op Julie's nieuwe boek: Designed for How People Build Skills, verwacht in het najaar.Julie's twee dingen voor morgenVraag je af wat alles in het systeem nu doet om het gewenste gedrag te bevorderen of te belemmeren. Hoeveel van die dingen kun jij aanpakken met een leeroplossing?Kijk naar de feedbackmechanismen. Welke feedback krijgen mensen nu op hun gedrag? Hoe kun je die verbeteren?Genoemde boekenTalk to the Elephant — Julie DirksenDesign for How People Learn — Julie DirksenThe Happiness Hypothesis — Jonathan Haidt Thinking, Fast and Slow — Daniel Kahneman Support the showWij praten veel, maar luisteren nóg liever. Heb je een vraag, opmerking of briljant idee? Klik en spreek een berichtje voor ons in via Speakpipe!Mee lezen? Kijk op https://www.brainbakery.com/brainsnack/no-more-boring-learning 

This week we talk about doing partnership work with schools. Things that bring us joy this week: Euchre SITE Conference Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

In this episode, we discuss technology, pedagogy, and what our future classrooms could look like. Things that bring us joy this week: How to Get to Heaven from Belfast Racing Mount Pleasant Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

This week we talk about accommodations for students who need them and their increasing number in higher education. Things that bring us joy this week: Ammonite by Nicola Griffith King Sorrow by Joe Hill Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

In this episode, we discuss how qualitative researchers are using AI with Dr. Elizabeth Langran, Dr. Paula Cristina Azevdo, and Dr. Shernette Dunn. Things that bring us joy this week: The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami Author Charles Yu The Joy Lab Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally BlindSpecial Guests: Elizabeth Langran, Paula Cristina Azevedo, and Shernette Dunn.

This week we discuss teacher education competencies and how they are used to structure requirements and thus courses at universities. Things that bring us joy this week: Traitors UK on Peacock Trumpet Ensemble Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

Brenda Hough, Staff Development Coordinator at Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, discusses all things related to learning. During our conversation, she mentioned Association for Talent Development. Brenda recommends the books Telling Ain't Training by Stolovitch and Keeps and Design for How People Learn by Dirkson.

In this episode, we discuss the role of the Science Content Advisor at the PA Department of Education. Things that bring us joy this week: Fallout series on Amazon If I Had Legs I'd Kick You Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

This week we talk about the difference between knowing and understanding and maybe how comparing to AI neural networks can help clarify the difference. Things that bring us joy this week: Vineland by Thomas Pynchon Absolute Batman Vol. 1&2 by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

In this episode, we discuss card games, especially ones for learning. Some of the games mentioned in the episode include: Analog Inspiration The Rithm Project AI Leadership Cards Things that bring us joy this week: The Pitt on HBO Pistachio Ice Cream Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

This week we talk about snow days (since we had one) and also how they are a case study in policy vs. guidance vs. practice across lots of areas. Things that bring us joy this week: McSweeny's Quarterly Concern Academy Award Nominated Best Pictures (specifically Train Dreams; F1; and Secret Agent) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

In this episode, we try to answer a listener's email about online accessibility and science education. Things that bring us joy this week: The Rip movie Is This Thing On? movie Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind

This week we talk about conceptualizing and operationalizing ideas in educational research and the impact of that process on improving teaching practice. Things that bring us joy this week: Buena Vista Social Club (https://www.broadway.com/shows/buena-vista-social-club/) F1 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16311594) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

In this episode, we discuss professional development for learning how to integrate artificial intelligence in classroom settings and assignments. Things that bring us joy this week: Sinners movie (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31193180/) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

This week we talk about how to handle the situation of a teacher candidate who is not successful in their field placements. Things that bring us joy this week: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59854151)by Tom King The Message (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210943364) by Ta-Nehisi Coates Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

This week we talked about (New Year's) resolutions of things we want to start, stop, and continue coming into the next year. Things that bring us joy this week: One Battle After Another (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30144839/) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

This week we talk about commencements. You know, graduation. Things that bring us joy this week: Cookies (made by Tanya if you are lucky) Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14364480) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

In this episode, we discuss efforts to develop national competencies for teacher preparation. Things that bring us joy this week: 10 to 25 The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation—And Making Your Own Life Easier By David Yeager (https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/10-to-25/David-Yeager/9781668023884) The Areas of My Expertise by John Hodgman (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/294555/the-areas-of-my-expertise-by-john-hodgman/) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

This week we talk about accreditation, which we admit sounds really boring, but turns out it is only somewhat boring and you might find out why you should care. Things that bring us joy this week: Pips (https://www.nytimes.com/games/pips) - NY Times Games App Game MaddAddam (MaddAddam #3) (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262203-maddaddam)by Margaret Atwood Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

In this episode, we discuss the reorganizations happening at institutions of higher education. Things that bring us joy this week: Codename Villanelle by Luke Jennings (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codename_Villanelle) Pzizz app for power napping (https://pzizz.com/) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

This week we talk about grades, and specifically the Chronicle of Higher Education (https://www.chronicle.com/article/we-need-to-talk-about-harvards-grade-inflation-report) article about grade inflation at Harvard. Things that bring us joy this week: David Maslanka (https://davidmaslanka.com)'s Symphony No. 4 (https://davidmaslanka.com/works/symphony-no-4-2/?) Long Island Compromise (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55777544-long-island-compromise) by Taffy Brodesser-Akner Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

In this episode, we discuss the pernicious nature of "viewpoint diversity." We draw upon the Fall 2025 Academe article titled Seven Theses Against Viewpoint Diversity by Lisa Siraganian (https://www.aaup.org/academe/issues/fall-2025/seven-theses-against-viewpoint-diversity) Things that bring us joy this week: Andor Season 2 (https://ondisneyplus.disney.com/show/andor) Death by Lightning (https://www.netflix.com/title/81438325) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

This week we talk about the idea of research to practice in educational research (and practice). Things that bring us joy this week: The Year of the Flood (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6080337)by Margaret Atwood The Balland of Wallis Island (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27674982) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

In this episode, we discuss the job hiring process in higher education. Things that bring us joy this week: Task on HBOMax (https://www.hbomax.com/shows/task/86bc816f-97a7-4cd6-8d53-08d5e6337063) The CPED Convening (https://www.cpedinitiative.org/convenings) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

This week we talk about how to think about evaluation and feedback in higher education, specifically for leaders. Things that bring us joy this week: Talk Easy Podcast (https://talkeasypod.com) The Lowdown (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31289994/) on FX Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

In this episode, we discuss the upcoming ADA mandate (https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/#how-long-state-and-local-governments-have-to-comply-with-the-rule)for compliance of digital content for state and local agencies. Things that bring us joy this week: Peacemaker, Season 2 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peacemaker_season_2) Sinners (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sinners_2025) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

This week we talk about frameworks in science education research. Things that bring us joy this week: Oryx and Crake (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46756) by Margaret Atwood Phase Hero Podcast (https://phasehero.com/en-usd) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

In this episode, we discuss an article (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12528-025-09446-4) in the Journal of Computing in Higher Education. Things that bring us joy this week: David Sedaris (https://www.davidsedarisbooks.com/) House of Guinness on Netflix (https://www.netflix.com/title/81664250) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

This week we talk about unions in higher education, the pros and cons and what unions even are. Things that bring us joy this week: The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/196774338) by Zoë Schlanger Slow Horses (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5875444/) Season 5 on Apple TV+ Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

In this episode, we discuss possible episode topics suggested by ChatGPT. Things that bring us joy this week: Down Dog apps (https://www.downdogapp.com/) Alexa Silver skit on SNL (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvT_gqs5ETk&t=20s) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

In a very special episode we are joined by Cole Camplese the Chief Information Officer from the University of Texas at Austin. We talk about AI and technology infrastructure, and it is a lot more interesting then that makes it sound. Things that bring us joy this week: Deadly Class (https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/deadly-class) Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58784475-tomorrow-and-tomorrow-and-tomorrow) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind) Special Guest: Cole Camplese.

In this episode, we discuss the changes to Middle Level Certification in Pennsylvania. Things that bring us joy this week: Black Bag by Steven Soderbergh (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/black_bag) Schwinn IC4 Bike (https://www.schwinnfitness.com/product/ic4-indoor-cycling-bike/100873.html?srsltid=AfmBOorxhzbwzDQ4O4ZunElvLR0eb9epTGzi1Tb2UcAZOc2d4lV7ZyQL) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

This week we talk about new things that we are going to try in the upcoming semester of our classes (and we mostly don't stay on topic). Things that bring us joy this week: Department Q (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27995114/) 3 Body Problem (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13016388/) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

In this episode, we discuss Scott's trip to Mexico to work with local science teachers to develop units on microplastics. Things that bring us joy this week: Sandman Season 2 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1751634/) Articles of Interest podcast (https://www.articlesofinterest.co/podcast) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

This week we talk about doing professional learning in another country and in another language and what that might mean. Things that bring us joy this week: XMU Sessions (Sirus Indie Radio Station): Lucy Dacus - Time in a Bottle (Cover) by Jim Croce (https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/lucy-dacus-siriusxmu-sessions) Blondeshell - Diet Pepsi (Cover) by Addison Rae (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC4ywcAOCM8) Reconcilable Differences (https://www.relay.fm/rd) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

In this episode, we discuss a recent New York Times article (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/27/us/politics/ai-alpha-school-austin-texas.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare) about the Alpha School. Things that bring us joy this week: Mike Birbiglia - The Good Life (https://www.netflix.com/title/81944037) Ronnie Chieng - Love to Hate It (https://www.netflix.com/title/81267396) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

This week we talk about how Terrain Theory as a way of setting health policy is a reflection of a deep misunderstanding of how science works and what a theory really means. Things that bring us joy this week: Inception (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1375666/) Superman (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5950044/) Fantastic Four: First Steps (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10676052/) Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)

This week we talk about assessing faculty in higher education and what it means to rate people on a scale. Satisfactory - fulfilling expectations or needs; acceptable, though not outstanding or perfect. Things that bring us joy this week: Watching tennis, specifically The Championships, Wimbeldon (https://www.wimbledon.com/index.html) Cake (not the band) - an item of soft, sweet food made from a mixture of flour, shortening, eggs, sugar, and other ingredients, baked and often decorated. (Ollie's personal preference is yellow/white cake). Intro/Outro Music: Notice of Eviction by Legally Blind (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Legally_Blind)