Evidence-Informed Learning Design

Are the ways we think we learn actually holding us back from truly mastering knowledge and skills?

1. Evidence-Based Design is the Foundation of Effective Learning

Learning professionals often rely on intuitive approaches or popular myths. However, quality learning design steers clear of these pitfalls by sticking to evidence-based methods. An evidence-based approach involves critically evaluating resources and only incorporating practices backed by credible research. For example, adopting the notion of “learning styles”—a myth suggesting individuals learn best via their preferred method, such as visual or auditory—is a costly misunderstanding.

The truth is, studies repeatedly show that learning styles have little to no impact on outcomes. Misguided practices like creating customized materials for every learning style often waste time and resources. Instead, educators should first analyze research to distinguish what works from what doesn’t.

To successfully evaluate materials, look for red flags such as vague language or sensational claims in articles and books about learning strategies. Reliable resources rely on sound arguments rather than hype. By sourcing credible studies, educators ensure their methods lead to meaningful outcomes.

Examples

• The myth of learning styles promoted unnecessary parallel materials, bloating costs.
• Articles with hype-filled introductions often lacked reliable research backing.
• Scrutinizing peer-reviewed sources enables a better understanding of learning practices.

2. Ditch the Laptop and Pick Up a Pen for Better Note-Taking

Surprisingly, how learners take notes matters a lot. While speed and volume may seem advantageous, research shows that typing notes on laptops can hinder learning. Handwriting, on the other hand, forces learners to thoughtfully process and condense information—a process key to retention and comprehension.

Learners tend to type notes verbatim without reflection. In contrast, writing by hand requires summarizing and paraphrasing, which deepens understanding. Moreover, laptops in training spaces can distract not only the user but those around them. This distraction impacts overall focus and group dynamics.

Encouraging note-taking with pen and paper creates an environment where learners actively engage with the material. This method fosters better memory recall and comprehension, making it a more effective tool in learning design.

Examples

• Handwriting facilitates summarizing, aiding information retention.
• Typing verbatim weakens active engagement with material.
• Laptops can distract adjacent learners, lowering group focus.

3. Feedback Fuels More Effective Learning Outcomes

Feedback plays a vital role in helping learners improve, but not all feedback is equally helpful. Corrective feedback, which only provides the right answers, falls short of promoting deeper understanding. To truly empower learners, use epistemic feedback, which involves asking probing questions to guide learners toward discovering the correct answer on their own.

For instance, instead of telling someone how to fix an equation, you might ask, “What happens if you consider this variable differently?” This approach encourages critical thinking and reinforces problem-solving skills. Avoid blanket praise or harmful comparisons, as these can decrease motivation and damage self-esteem.

Thoughtful feedback helps learners engage constructively with mistakes, fostering growth and a stronger grasp of material.

Examples

• Corrective feedback provides answers but misses teaching opportunities.
• Epistemic feedback helps learners self-correct and grow their thinking skills.
• Comparisons among learners can lead to anxiety and lower motivation.

4. Practical Strategies Trump Familiar Learning Habits

Commonplace strategies like memorization, highlighting, and rereading often feel productive but yield poor results. Memorizing tends to fail at driving deeper understanding, while highlighting can lead to focusing on irrelevant details. Similarly, rereading offers a false sense of progress by creating familiarity without genuine comprehension.

In contrast, spaced repetition—a technique backed by science—results in better learning outcomes. It spaces out sessions of studying or recalling information over time to cement long-term memory. By assigning repeated, strategically-timed homework or discussions, educators can enhance this retention technique.

Implementing effective strategies ensures learners don’t fall into the false productivity trap of familiar but unhelpful habits.

Examples

• Highlighting often results in marking too much or irrelevant information.
• Rereading fosters recognition but fails to deepen understanding.
• Spaced repetition strengthens long-term memory retention.

5. Tools Are as Important as Techniques

Every learning professional collects tools, such as computers or training guides, but not all tools enhance learning equally. Choosing smart, simple tools—like a pencil and paper for note-taking, as seen earlier—is as important as applying the right strategies.

The value of tools lies in reinforcing interactive learning. Tools that enable practice, reflection, and repetition are particularly effective. For example, flashcards can support spaced learning by encouraging regular recall, while user-friendly apps help structure learning activities efficiently.

Incorporating the right tools into the learning process elevates both engagement and outcomes for students.

Examples

• Flashcards strengthen concepts through spaced recall.
• User-friendly apps simplify complex subjects for learners.
• Handwriting tools foster active comprehension.

6. Learning Is Stronger Through Mistakes

Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re opportunities to refine understanding. Encouraging learners to embrace errors without fear of judgment helps them become more comfortable with complexity. An environment where mistakes are valued accelerates development.

To foster this mindset, let learners reflect on their errors. Instead of penalizing mistakes, provide constructive challenges that help them rethink their approach. Learning becomes an exploratory process rather than a measured performance.

Creating a safe space to explore incorrect answers makes learners more confident and experimental, which improves both creativity and reasoning.

Examples

• Highlighting how errors are normal reduces learning anxiety.
• Reflection on mistakes strengthens the ability to apply concepts.
• Positive reinforcement for thoughtful retries builds resilience.

7. Expert Learners Build Learning Curves More Quickly

Expert learners, who self-direct and regulate their learning, excel at managing their progress. Unlike novice learners, they organize knowledge better and adopt effective strategies like spaced learning.

Building expert learners requires a gradual accumulation of effective practices over time. Supervisors and educators should work alongside learners to define clear goals and checkpoints. By doing so, the learners become increasingly independent in their knowledge acquisition.

Encouraging autonomy in learning creates individuals adept not only at mastering material but at thriving in professional settings.

Examples

• Expert learners organize and apply knowledge more effectively.
• Regular goal-setting helps learners gain independence over time.
• Emphasizing spaced learning fosters strategic growth.

8. Personal Learning Networks Boost Leadership Qualities

A learner’s personal learning network (PLN)—peers, mentors, and other influencers—is a powerful support system. It provides new perspectives, feedback, and collaboration opportunities. Designing learning experiences that encourage setting up a PLN ensures diversity in approaches to problem-solving.

Organizations can facilitate PLN formation by introducing team activities or mentorship programs. Learners develop stronger, more rounded skill sets as they interact and gain insights from varying viewpoints.

By engaging in PLNs, learners become not only adaptive but also more innovative participants in collaborative efforts.

Examples

• PLNs allow learners to seek advice beyond their own expertise.
• Interdisciplinary team engagement promotes creative thinking.
• Mentorship pairs learners with figures aligned with their goals.

9. Motivation and Self-Direction Are Long-Term Keys

Inspiring learners to maintain intrinsic motivation and autonomy guarantees sustained learning growth. Self-reflection tools help learners connect their goals to broader organizational objectives, increasing their commitment and direction.

Encouraging reflective questions, such as how personal aspirations align with company goals, leads to insightful development. Self-monitoring ensures learners remain driven without constant intervention.

Ultimately, helping learners understand their purpose within learning frameworks fosters long-term improvements in engagement and results.

Examples

• Encouraging reflection helps align personal and organizational objectives.
• Self-assessment habits keep learners accountable.
• Motivation grows when learning paths feel both relevant and rewarding.

Takeaways

1. Replace learners’ laptops with pen-and-paper note-taking during training sessions to improve comprehension and retention.
2. Incorporate spaced repetition into learning assignments by scheduling regular, timed reviews of earlier material.
3. Encourage learners to create a personal learning network of peers and mentors for ongoing support and perspective diversity.