Craig Joseph, MD is joined by Matt Hays, Ph.D., a learning scientist and cognitive science expert at Amplifire, to explore what decades of research reveal about how people really learn, retain information, and apply it in the real world. Drawing from evidence-based learning science, Matt challenges common assumptions about training, feedback, and knowledge retention, especially in healthcare environments where performance and patient safety matter most.

They also discuss desirable difficulties, confidence-based learning, delayed feedback, spaced repetition, and why traditional classroom training often fails to create lasting behavior change. The conversation also examines the role of AI as a performance support tool, the difference between learning and doing, and practical strategies healthcare organizations can use to improve training outcomes and reduce errors.

Show Notes:

[00:00] Intros

[02:42] Why attendance doesn't equal learning

[05:29] The Power of Desirable Difficulties

[10:50] Why Delayed Feedback Improves Performance

[15:13] Confidence-Based Learning and Hidden Knowledge Gaps

[20:51] Designing Better Healthcare Training Programs

[24:27] Applying Learning Science to EHR Training

[30:07] AI, Performance Support, and the Future of Learning

[37:51] Matt’s favorite well-designed thing

[40:22] Outros

For a full transcript, click here

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