I read several articles and blog posts daily as part of my ongoing professional development. Each week, I curate a few of my favorites, including a brief introduction explaining why I find the article valuable and recommend you read it.

Here’s a summary of this week’s content:

  • Assessing traditional behavior change methods and more effective alternatives
  • Wisdom-focus shifts in leadership programs
  • Instructional design degrees vs. real-world application
  • Addressing L&D's skill development hesitations
  • Fifteen tools that can enhance online learning engagement

Predicting Human Behavior and How We Can Change It
This article by Hailey Reissman highlights research that examines how traditional behavior change methods based on altering beliefs or knowledge are less effective. Instead, it emphasizes the substantial impact of interventions that improve social support, access to resources, and behavioral skills, which are crucial for effective policy and program development.

Wisdom, AI, and Instructional Design
In this article, Karel Kapp examines the importance of shifting from a focus on rapid content creation enabled by AI to developing wisdom-focused leadership programs within organizations, challenging traditional leadership training approaches by advocating for a holistic integration of wisdom into the program design.

The Disconnect Between Instructional Design Degrees, the Real World, and How to Fix It
The article by Luke Hobson explores the evolving landscape of instructional design education, underscoring the critical need for real-world application of academic theories to better prepare students for professional challenges.

4 Ways L&D Dodges Skill Development & Why It’s a Mistake
In this article, Janice Burns encourages L&D professionals to gradually embrace skill development initiatives by addressing common hesitations and illustrating how integrating skills with existing competencies can enhance their organizational roles and effectiveness.

Fifteen Technologies to Enliven Online Teaching and Learning
This article by Jacob Aroz, Elizabeth Larson, & Jean Mandernach highlights opportunities for enhancing online learning by detailing 15 tools that enhance learner engagement, content interaction, and instructional effectiveness through customized and dynamic digital resources.