Science of Learning Isn’t Always Intuitive: Discover Popular Illusions with Carl Hendrick
What if some of your practices that seem great are actually holding learners back?
Join us for an interview-style conversation with Dr. Carl Hendrick, co-author of Instructional Illusions, as we unpack why learning design is often counterintuitive and how to avoid practices that look effective on the surface but don't hold up to evidence.
In this conversation, we'll explore illusions like
The "Discovery Illusion" Why "they'll learn better if they figure it out themselves" so often backfires and when, for experts, discovery does make sense.
The "Expertise Illusion" Why experts and novices don't just differ in how much they know, but how their knowledge is organized and why that matters for instructional design.
The "Uniqueness" & "Learner-Centred" Illusions How to hold two truths at once: learners are unique and all share the same basic cognitive architecture—and how to be truly learner-centered without abandoning explicit instruction.
The "Engagement Illusion" Why a buzzing, noisy, "fun" learning environment can be a terrible proxy for learning—and how to aim for cognitive engagement, not just activity
This session is for you if:
You're an educator, faculty member, curriculum developer, L&D leader, trainer, facilitator, or instructional designer.
You're tired of chasing shiny new programs and want a more stable, evidence-informed compass.
You've ever wondered why a training or learning intervention that felt amazing didn't "stick" for learners.
You want the science of learning language to push back against questionable ideas that hinder your impact.
Format:
🗣️ Live, interview-style chat with Carl Hendrick
❓Live Audience Q&A
About the speaker:
Carl Hendrick is an internationally recognized expert in the science of learning and instructional design. He is a professor at Academica University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam and leads research projects that bridge cognitive science, educational psychology, and practice.
He has co-authored several influential books, including How Learning Happens and Instructional Illusions, and regularly advises organizations on implementing evidence-based strategies such as retrieval practice, spacing, and explicit instruction. An experienced keynote speaker and trainer, Carl delivers workshops and talks globally, making complex research accessible and actionable for learning professionals. He is also a member of the UNESCO IBE Science of Learning editorial board.