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

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Episodes

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Originally spearheaded by noted learning scientists and consultants, Will Thalheimer and Matt Richter, and originally called Truth In Learning, the updated, upgraded, and rebooted LDA Podcast explores all aspects of the Learning and Development field- validated tools and resources for better training, debunked learning models, controversies in the industry, and so much more. Now hosted by Matt and Clark Quinn (another noted scientist and consultant, the podcast will dive deeply into what makes learning and development more effective and beneficial for its end-users, stakeholders, and practitioners. Along with our monthly and general episodes, we will also offer a monthly series on AI, hosted by AI expert, Markus Bernhardt. Over the upcoming season, The LDA Podcast will: -- Keep you current with L&D research and innovations -- Unpack complex ideas and concepts -- Sharpen your critical thinking skills -- Stimulate your L&D grey cells (although this objective may not be evidence-based) N...

Episodes

The ”What the LMS” Episode

In this episode, Will and Matt are joined by two renowned experts, Lori Niles-Hofmann and Steve Foreman. This extended, single segment show is all about the LMS. What is it? How did we get here? Where are we going? What are we trying to accomplish and how do we meet our LMS needs? Lori and Steve share their expertise on how to evaluate an LMS and how to evaluate LMS vendors. They provide tons and tons of tips and advice on everything about these monsters. Did you know there were tons of differen...

Feb 04, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast

The ”Happy New Years’ Resolutions” Episode

DISCLAIMER: We apologize for the recording sound on Matthew’s side of things… First, he was sick. Second, his microphone broke and the sound quality was reduced. We will fix this before the next episode. Now… onto the show… In our first segment, we explore what is a learning objective. How are they used, should they be used, how are they constructed, how are they consumed, and what are alternatives to them. We mention Bob Mager and his book, Preparing Instructional Objectives: A Critical Tool in...

Jan 22, 2020•2 hr 38 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast

The ”Myths, Misconceptions, and Superstitions” Episode

A special episode. Only two segments this time. Our guest, Clark Quinn, was too interesting to boot off, so we kept him going longer- for a double length discussion on a myriad of different topics. For our first segment, we dig into awards in the Learning Industry. Will shares how the different industry organizations, in general, approach running awards programs. We then discuss the merits of these awards and what they mean- in other words, can they be trusted? Are they beneficial? Are they even...

Dec 30, 2019•1 hr 14 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast

The ”I am a Coach... really... I am” Episode

In this episode, we discuss what it means to be creative and whether there is place for learning professionals to embody creativity to support insight learning. Will will ask a series of prompt questions for discussion. He explains the difference between Transfer Learning and Insight Learning and makes the connection to being creative. Along with the prompting questions, Will defines creativity based on a synthesis of some of the latest research on the topic. Will references the Duncker Problem....

Dec 13, 2019•1 hr 18 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast

The “Where’s the Evidence” Episode

In this episode, Will has a conversation with The Good Practice Podcast guys, Ross Garner and Owen Ferguson. You can find them at https://podcast.goodpractice.com. They share their origin story of the show. Will asks them whether we podcasters should go after and challenge the “bad actors” in our industry. The answer will surprise you. After Matt and Will debrief his Good Practice conversation, they dive deep into what makes evidence good evidence. In other words, how does one evaluate the quali...

Dec 03, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast

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 tal...

Nov 15, 2019•1 hr 18 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast

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 i...

Nov 01, 2019•1 hr 20 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast

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 te...

Oct 17, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast

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 supportiv...

Sep 25, 2019•1 hr 18 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast

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...

Sep 19, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast

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...

Sep 05, 2019•59 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast