Science of Behavior Change Summit Program

101: The Surprising Science Behind Creating Sustainable Behavior

Michelle Segar, Author, No Sweat: How the Simple Science of Motivation Can Bring You a Lifetime of Fitness

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM PT

NOTE: Due to copyright constraints, this session will only be available live. It will not be recorded.

This provocative opening session will showcase the science for a new paradigm to better foster sustainable behavior change. You will examine why logic-based reasons for behavior change keep people stuck in cycles of starting and stopping but not behavioral sustainability. Learn more.

201: Neuroscience and Learning: Facts and Fantasies

Will Thalheimer, President, Work-Learning Research

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT

Neuroscience is one of the hottest topics in training and education. This session will review the research on neuroscience. You will explore research that debunks common myths and pinpoints misconceptions related to brain-based learning. You will also receive suggestions on approaching neuroscience recommendations. Learn more.

301: Diagnosing Behavior Change Problems

Julie Dirksen, Author, Design for How People Learn

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM PT

Learning programs often have the goal of supporting behavior change. Organizational learning traditionally measures desired outcomes in terms of “learning objectives,” which are fairly straightforward to identify. Identifying the root cause of behavior change problems is more complex. This session examines the differences between analyzing learning objectives and diagnosing behavior change problems. Learn more.

401: Q&A with the Behavior Change Experts

David Kelly, Executive Director, The eLearning Guild
Panelists will join David Kelly for the Q&A

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PT

In this closing session for day one, the speakers will further examine the topics explored in the opening sessions. Organizers will also open the floor to attendees, allowing you to share your own experiences and ask your own questions. Learn more.

501: Training the Google Way: Using Neuroscience to Create Behavior Change

Art Kohn, Professor, Portland State University

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM PT

There are many well-entrenched practices associated with training. As knowledge about neuroscience and the science of behavior change grows, the effectiveness of some practices comes into question. This session examines how advancements in science are being used to make training more effective at Google. Learn more.

601: Brains, Games, and Behavior Change

Julie Dirksen, Author, Design for How People Learn

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT

Tap into the techniques game designers use to motivate, engage, and reward players. In this session, you will examine the theory and evidence-based methods and models for how games and play can shape our psychological processes, influencing behavior and subjective well-being. Learn more.

701: Leveraging the Latest in Brain Science to Deliver Learning

Carol Leaman, CEO, Axonify

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM PT

With the explosion in brain research, consumer brain training software has hit the market with a vengeance. Join Carol and learn how the latest research is being applied in eLearning tools in the workplace. Learn more.

801: Working with Stories: Behavioral Change for the Ornery

Cynthia Kurtz, Co-founder, The PNI Institute

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PT

Dive into the growing field of participatory narrative inquiry, which helps people explore their experiences and absorb new insights and energy for positive change. You’ll be exposed to foundational concepts, learn from war stories of eye-opening projects, and gain effective story-based activities you can use right away.  Learn more.