Episode 60: The Brain Science Behind Better Learning Design
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The key to better learning design is in our heads.
Our learning design could be better if we understood how the brain is taking in and processing what we share. It would help us to know what's effective, and what's having the opposite effect. In this episode, Jess sits down with learning scientist Lauren Waldman to explore why neuroscience should be a foundational skill for every L&D professional. They discuss how memory really works, why most training never reaches long-term memory, how cognitive overload undermines learning, and practical ways to design experiences that work with the brain instead of against it.
Jess and Lauren discuss
Why every L&D professional should understand how the brain learns
The difference between content delivery and the biological process of learning
How working memory limits affect learning design
Why repetition and retrieval are essential for long-term memory
How cognitive overload prevents learners from retaining information
Practical ways to reduce distractions and guide learner attention
Designing learning that supports focus instead of competing for it
Using neuroscience to confidently push back on stakeholder requests that hinder learning
A simple design question every L&D team should ask before building training
About Lauren Waldman
Lauren Waldman is a learning scientist, founder of Learning Pirate, and one of the leading voices bringing neuroscience into the world of learning and development. With advanced neuroscience studies from Harvard, Duke, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Michigan, she helps organizations design learning experiences that align with how the brain actually learns. Lauren is a sought-after keynote speaker known for challenging conventional thinking and making brain science practical, engaging, and impossible to ignore.
Find and Connect with Lauren Waldman
Learning Pirate Website: https://www.learningpirate.com
Additional Links from This Episode
L&D Must Change Episode 22: Designing and Measuring on Purpose with Chris Taylor
L&D Must Change Episode 45: Ensure Learning is Worth the Expense with Melanie Martinelli
