Mind the Skills Gap

In this episode of "The Neuroscience of Learning," Stella Collins and Tina Harris delve into the fascinating world of motivating minds and bodies to learn. They explore the crucial role neurotransmitters play in our brain states during the learning process, highlighting the significance of curiosity fuelled by dopamine, attention supported by acetylcholine, and satisfaction triggered by serotonin. They emphasise the negative impact of stress on learning, attributed to cortisol and adrenaline.

Tina shares valuable insights on promoting motivation and skill automation, emphasising the importance of understanding learners' "why" and incorporating it into the learning design. They discuss creating a safe and challenging environment, encouraging guesswork and contribution, and fostering curiosity through novel approaches. The goal is to ignite learners' intrinsic motivation, cultivate engagement, and facilitate effective knowledge transfer.

Join them in exploring the intriguing world of neuroscience in learning.

In this episode of "Neuroscience for Learning," Stella Collins and Jaan Couvreur explore how our brains learn and the challenges we face in applying that knowledge in the professional context.

They introduce the concept of building a brain, highlighting the brainstem, central cerebrum, and cerebral cortex, and how they contribute to our learning processes. With a focus on the importance of applying knowledge through active engagement, they present the GEAR methodology—a four-step approach involving guiding, experimenting, applying, and retaining knowledge.

By understanding the energy demands of our brains and utilising effective learning strategies like spaced repetition, they emphasise the transformation of learning from knowing to doing.

Join Stella and Jaan on this captivating journey from neuroscience to practical application in the workplace.

AI is here, and it's changing the world. But what does that mean for L&D?

Donald Clark, the world-leading authority on AI in learning, joins Stella to shed light on the AI revolution we're living through.

Listen to this episode for fascinating insights, and practical steps L&D can take to use AI to boost productivity and the impact of learning.

Donald and Stella cover a lot of ground in this episode, including:

• How AI is transforming the L&D industry by improving performance and productivity
• How large language models, one type of AI, are used to personalise learning content and provide customised feedback
• Ways AI can also be used to identify skill gaps and provide targeted training
• The importance of accuracy in AI-powered learning
• What AI means for more effective and efficient learning.
• The ethical concerns surrounding AI

Tune in to learn more about the benefits and challenges of AI in learning and development.

Want to know more? Find out how AI drives productivity so that you can design training in ‘minutes, not months' with our platform.

Some other resources that you'll love: 

• Donald's Blog on AI in Africa.  
• Donald's book on Learning Technology
• Donald's book on AI for learning

The human element of learning analytics and how to use data to create better learning experiences. In this episode, Stella dives into learning data and how to use it, with Bart Rienties, Professor of Learning Analytics at The Open University.

Bart Rienties is the Professor of Learning Analytics at The Open University. As an educational psychologist, he brings a fascinating perspective.

In this episode Stella and Bart discuss:

• The key elements of learning analytics
• The importance of the human element of leveraging learning data to support students and the learning environment.
• The value of tailoring the learning experience using data
• How to use analytics to pinpoint learner's strong points and areas for development
• A real-world story of how using predictive learning analytics raised retention rates by 2 to 10%

Learning transfer is a major challenge - on average only around 15% of training turns into skills on the job. Not a comfortable conversation to have with the C-Suite!

So how do you tackle the elephant in the room?

Paul Matthews, CEO of People Alchemy and Learning Transfer guru, joined me to discuss.

It's a great episode packed with insights, including:

👉 How to get to the heart of the behaviour change the C-Suite wants to see
👉 How to measure learning transfer in a way that demonstrates real value to the people at the top
👉 The challenges of learning transfer and how to use the 12 levers to boost it
👉 The role of learning culture

Read my guide to Learning Transfer.

Can digital learning build more than knowledge and help people build skills?
In this episode, I'm joined by Georgie Cooke, Director at learning design agency, Lima Delta. Listen for a host of practical insights to help you design learning to build skills, including on:

• Design processes for building skills
• The support needed for self-directed learning
• Safe, yet realistic environments for practising skills
• The role of reflection
• The impact of motivation throughout learning journeys
• The road to mastery

And more!

Will watching 100 hours of LinkedIn Learning courses make you better at your job? What can you learn from bad bosses? And, why be a facilitator not just a performer. In this episode of Mind the Skills Gap Simon Howson-Baggott (Manager, Customer Success at LinkedIn Learning) shares his insights from a long career in L&D , including 5+ years at LinkedIn Learning.

Mirjam Neelen and Stella Collins discuss the best ways to change behaviour, improve performance and increase return on investment to make learning more effective and enjoyable. As well as how to ensure employees are equipped with the skills they need for today's challenging and demanding market.

We decided to give our podcast a refresh. Drumroll please... Welcome to Mind the Skills Gap! New look, new name, but still top-quality conversation with our brilliant guests – focused on one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today: The skills gap.

Don Taylor has a problem with learning technology! Stella was keen to dig into how Don Taylor thinks learning tech is evolving, and what he thinks has changed since he wrote his book, Learning Technologies in the Workplace.