The “ASK QUESTIONS” Episode

In this episode, Will goes away... to the beach. So, while I waited for him to return, Thiagi and I recorded a segment where we discuss the role of the learner. We share client examples, overcoming pushback from stakeholders who don’t initially accept the idea of learner-led approaches, and effect of leveraging learners in the classroom as evaluators (which helps them cement their comprehension, memory of the material, decision making while applying the concepts, and more. We also detour and talk about the distinction between performance versus and business outcomes. Thiagi refers to Thomas F. Gilbert, a psychologist and the founder of the performance technology- (HPT- Human Performance Technology). Thiagi refers to mindfulness. We don’t talk about it, but if you are interested in the topic, check out Carol Dweck’s book, MINDSET, THE NEW PSYCHOLOGY OF SUCCESS. We also reference Professor Chuck Petranek and his amazing simulation, Sex on the Beach, a social simulation about sexual behavior and AIDS.

Will does eventually return, a bit sunburned. And, for that segment, we are joined by Patti Shank. https://www.pattishank.com. Patti is an evidence-based learning and development expert who focuses on “doing what works.” As she puts it, she “uses science to improve the results from instruction.”

We discuss the merit and method of asking effective questions to drive, as Patti calls it, deeper learning. The conversation, of course, weaves through her typical theme of better practice, feedback, and memory. She discusses mistakes used when developing test questions and how to make those better. We go even deeper exploring what exactly is an assessment and how do questions play into them- which of course leads to a clarification of what are learning objectives. In the episode, Patti refers to Noted nutritionist, Zoe Harcombe, who can be found at... http://www.zoeharcombe.com.

Patti joins us for The Best and the Worst of the Week. Will references Scott H. Young’s new book, Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career.