THE LEARNING SCIENCE CONFERENCE 2025

OVERVIEW

The Learning Science Conference is back!

Building on the momentum from last fall’s launch, we’ve taken what worked, learned from what didn’t, and designed an even more impactful experience. Our expert speakers will dive into the science of how learning happens: encoding, retrieval, emotion, social learning, evaluation, and more. You’ll walk away with the insights and tools you need to design solutions that are evidence-based, engaging, and effective.

Our invited experts will presenting on the nuances of learning—encoding, retrieval, emotion, social, evaluation, and more—to create the foundation needed to be evidence-based practitioners. But this year, we’re not stopping there. Expect fresh perspectives and bold new topics, including: how to talk learning science with stakeholders who speak the language of business; how artificial intelligence can amplify, not replace, your design process; and more!

The result? A conference that equips you to move beyond “checking the box” training and create learning that drives real organizational impact.

This isn’t just another event. It’s the one that will take your solutions from mundane to meaningful.

What if I attended last Year?

We’ve kept a few foundational sessions from last year, because they’re just too important to skip. But the majority of the program is brand new, with fresh topics, new experts, and expanded perspectives.

As a returning participant, you’ll gain new insights while reinforcing the core foundations. And to thank you for your loyalty, we’re offering you an exclusive discount on this year’s registration. Check the special rates in the pricing section below.

CONFERENCE TOPICS (SESSIONS)

Each topic below will have an asynchronous video presentation and two live sessions (90 minutes long) to accommodate differences in time zones as much as possible. All session times are listed in ET (New York time).

• How learning happens with Paul Kirschner (December 8: 8h00 to 9h30 and again 15h00 to 16h30). Learning happens when new knowledge is connected to what we already know and practiced until it sticks. Paul will challenge the myths about “natural learning” and show how structured, evidence-based teaching is what truly helps learners grow.

• ‎Generative and Retrieval Learning with Clark Quinn (December 8: 13h00 to 14h30 and again 18h00 to 19h30)‎. Learn more about these two powerful strategies that deepen understanding by making learners actively work with knowledge. By creating their own connections and regularly pulling information back from memory, learners strengthen retention and build flexible, lasting skills.

• Transient Information Effect with Nidhi Sachdeva (December 9: 8h00 to 9h30 and again 16h00 to 17h30). Discover the transient information effect with Nidhi—why fleeting explanations and dense visuals can overwhelm learners, and how smart design choices turn that overload into clarity. Join to explore practical ways to make learning stick by reducing cognitive strain.

• Ethics as Design – Practicing Responsible AI in L&D with Stella Lee (December 9: 13h00 to 14h30 and again 18h00 to 19h30). What does it mean to use AI ethically—not just safely, but equitably, transparently, and in ways that reflect human-centered learning values? In this session, we’ll explore a practical, flexible rubric for navigating AI ethics in learning and development. From bias and transparency to learner agency and vendor due diligence, you’ll gain tools and insights to ask better questions, surface dilemmas, design multiple solutions, and decisions about AI in your context.

• ‎The Science of Motivation with Matt Richter (December 9: 8h00 to 9h30 and again 15h00 to 16h30). Dig into what truly drives people to act, learn, and perform at their best. Explore practical insights from research that can help you design learning experiences that spark engagement and lasting change.

• ‎Myths, Barriers, and Science Denial with Gale M. Sinatra (December 10: 11h00 to 12h30 and again 18h00 to 19h30). An eye-opening look at the hot topics in L&D that sound appealing but aren’t backed by evidence. Join the conversation on how to separate fact from fiction and design learning that truly works.

• ‎Assessment & Low-Stakes Testing with Jim Hewitt (December 11: 8h00 to 9h30 and again 15h00 to 16h30). Discover how frequent, low-pressure testing boosts learning, strengthens memory, and gives learners the confidence to grow. Explore practical strategies you can apply right away to make assessment a tool for learning, not just for grading.

• ‎Social Learning with Clark Quinn (December 11: 11h00 to 12h30 and again 18h00 to 19h30). Discover the power of social learning—how connecting with others accelerates learning, builds stronger skills, and creates lasting impact. Learn practical strategies to design experiences that make collaboration a driver of growth.

• Feedback with Matt Richter (December 12: 11h00 to 12h30 and again 15h00 to 16h30). Why feedback matters, how it shapes learning, and what makes it truly effective. Explore research-driven strategies to turn feedback into a tool for growth and lasting improvement.

Special Sessions

Don’t miss the opportunity to join our 60-minute special sessions. We will also have a special event each day of the live session December 8-11:

• December 8 at 11h00 to 12h00: LTEM Refresh with Will Thalheimer

• December 9 at 11h00 to 12h00: Ruth Clark and Rich moderated by Matt Richter

• December 10 at 13h00 to 14h00: L&D Debate moderated by Kat Koppett

• December 11 at 13h00 to 14h00: Panel Discussion with Jane Bozarth, Koreen Pagano, Julie Dirksen moderated by Clark Quinn

December 12 will also be our closing sessions (from 9h00 to 10h00 and again 17h00 to 18h00), These sessions are opportunities for you to bring challenges, questions, concerns, and even scenarios to the gathering, and we will work through them together.