The Learning+ Podcast

Ep. 40: Where Learning Science Meets Real-World Design with Dr. Kripa Sundar

What does it really take to use learning science in the real world? In this episode, Srividya Kumar speaks with Dr. Kripa Sundar about the gap between research and practice. They explore why research often enters too late, how “learning science-based” products oversimplify evidence, and why balance matters more than blindly applying principles. The conversation also dives into seductive details, the limits of meta-analyses, and the importance of context. You’ll hear why measurement isn’t an endpoint, but an ongoing loop, and what it takes for learning scientists to influence real decisions inside organizations. References Used On seductive details: https://www.aft.org/ae/fall2020/sundar How to find, read and use academic literature: https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/academic-research/ Guide to read meta-analyses: https://pdf.retrievalpractice.org/MetaAnalysisGuide.pdf Role researchers and learning scientists can play: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-do-we-call-were-feeling-naming-dr-kripa-sundar-ecjzc/ AI decision field guide: https://www.edtechrecharge.com/ai-decision-field-guide Connect with Kripa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kripasundar/ Website: https://www.edtechrecharge.com/ Connect with Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Connect with Vidya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

Ep. 39: Designing for Impact in Non-Profit Learning with Heather Burright

In this episode, Vidya speaks with Heather Burright about what it really takes to design learning in complex, mission-driven environments. They explore how L&D shifts when authority is limited and influence becomes essential, especially in federated nonprofit structures. The conversation touches on designing learning as a conversation, building from learner experience to enable inclusion, and rethinking measurement when post-training access is limited. Grounded in real practice, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how context shapes learning strategy, design, and impact. Connect with Heather LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burright/ The Non-Profit L&D Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective The Learning for Good Podcast: https://learningforgood.buzzsprout.com/ Podcast Episodes About Measurement - https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/how-to-measure-behavior-change-and-impact-in/id1621971310?i=1000684674477&l=zh-Hans-CN - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-position-training-as-an-investment-from/id1621971310?i=1000742300016 Connect with Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Connect with Vidya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

Ep. 38: Using Storytelling Thoughtfully in Learning Design with Ajay Jacob

In this episode, Srividya Kumar and Ajay Jacob explore storytelling as a strategic skill in learning design. Their conversation moves beyond the usual advice about making learning “engaging” and looks more closely at what stories actually do for understanding and behavior change. They discuss when stories support learning and when they become distractions, the idea of a “Minimum Viable Story”, why emotion plays a role in meaningful learning, and where the line lies between influence and manipulation. It’s a thoughtful conversation about how stories shape the way people see their work and the choices they make. Connect with Ajay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaytj/ Storytelling Course on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/course/storytelling-foundations-unlocking-the-power-of-stories/?referralCode=91BDA7E8C30712E28687 Connect with Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Connect with Vidya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

Ep. 37: Learning, Systems, and the Design of Work with Michael Snelgrove (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, Vidya and Michael Snelgrove explore how organizational systems shape behavior. They discuss structural stupidity, incentives, and the hidden priorities that influence decisions in workplaces. Michael shares how small signals can reveal deeper systemic patterns, why evidence alone rarely drives change, and what it takes to translate research into practice. The conversation also touches on apprenticeship, measurement, and the growing role of AI in accessing behavioral science. A thoughtful look at how capability, learning, and performance are shaped by the design of work itself. References Used Michael’s Post About Structural Stupidity: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mtsnelgrove_humanbehavior-hr-behavioralscience-activity-7397639043586396160-bzk5/ The book that refers to the brown M&Ms: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande (the rock band is Van Halen): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312430000/ref=as_li_ss_tl Connect with Michael LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtsnelgrove/ Website: https://www.appliedscholar.com/ Connect with Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Connect with Vidya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/

Ep. 36: Learning, Systems, and the Design of Work with Michael Snelgrove (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Vidya speaks with Michael Snelgrove about how learning and performance actually work under real conditions. Drawing on experiences from high-impact settings, including work connected to bomb defusal in Afghanistan and offshore sailing, Michael challenges some deeply held assumptions in L&D and HR. They explore why training often fails under pressure, how feedback can backfire, the limits of self-directed learning, and why focusing on skills without understanding how people learn leads to disappointing outcomes. A thoughtful look at learning as a system outcome, not an individual trait. Reference(s) Used Iatrogenics (the idea that treatment or medication can cause harm): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iatrogenesis Connect with Michael LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtsnelgrove/ Website: https://www.appliedscholar.com/ Connect with Learnnovators Website: https://learnnovators.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learnnovators/ Connect with Vidya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srividyakumar/