📰 News & Notes
The Six Principles of Learning Design
The six principles of learning design—authenticity, alignment, holistic integration, feedback, judgment, and future orientation—are designed to make learning stick by rooting it in real-world complexity. These principles emphasize a move from rote memorization to experiences where learners apply knowledge, receive ongoing feedback, and grow the skills needed to thrive in unpredictable environments. So, whether it’s aligning tasks with real work scenarios or encouraging self-assessment, each principle works to build resilient, capable learners who don’t just know; they can do, judge, and adapt.
🎯Takeaway: Learning sticks best when it’s grounded in real-world practice, guided by feedback, and designed to empower learners to adapt and thrive.
8 lessons on lifelong learning from an astrophysicist
L&D professionals can draw inspiration from astrophysicist Dr. Ethan Siegel’s eight valuable insights into lifelong learning. By highlighting the importance of skills like problem-solving, estimation, pattern recognition, and intellectual humility, Siegel offers a blueprint for fostering effective learners. His journey underscores the importance of knowing how to learn—to find and interpret data, adapt to change, and question assumptions—a skill set that can empower learners in any field.
🎯Takeaway: The key to lifelong learning lies in cultivating problem-solving, adaptability, and a curious mindset.
Daily habits like sleep and exercise can shape brain connectivity for weeks
A groundbreaking study reveals a direct link between daily habits and brain function. By analyzing wearable data and brain scans, researchers have discovered that factors like sleep, exercise, and mood can significantly influence brain connectivity, impacting cognitive abilities like memory and attention.
Takeaway: The brain remembers your daily habits—so a bit of sleep and movement today can boost brain connectivity for weeks!
