The role of research and insight in workplace learning and why evidence matters

A lot of learning and development content is generic off-the-shelf stuff, built on shaky foundations and of variable value.

Many mainstay models and theories that pepper workplace learning are not robust, not subject to the rigours of research and peer critique, and often not supported by evidence. This doesn't mean they're useless: they're not. They have pragmatic value in that they work sufficiently well to survive and are often good conversation starters, but if we want the L&D business to be a serious profession, having a more scientific approach to research and the development of theories and models would be a good thing to develop.

In this episode of the Trainer Tools podcast I talk to Dr Adam Le Nevez about how we might apply academic rigour to the world of L&D.

Dr Adam Le Nevez is a learning consultant for the UK Foreign Office's Diplomatic Academy.

This doesn’t mean he teaches diplomats to unwrap a Ferrero Rocher in one hand while holding a glass of Champagne in the other. Rather, he partners with designers, faculties, learners and subject matter experts to build practical, innovative and accessible learning experiences for the continuous professional development of staff in the UK’s global network of missions.

Adam has an academic background in sociolinguistics and adult education and is passionate about life-long learning and social empowerment. His research and publications focus on language diversity, multilingual education policy and practice, and teacher education. In his 25 year career he has worked and taught at universities in Thailand, Australia, Finland, France, Luxembourg and Tunisia. His current professional interests lie in digital learning, design thinking and building resilient networks.