Corporate Training Is Still Teaching People the Wrong Way

Most workplace learning is built around convenience, not science. Three-hour presentations. Endless slides. Mandatory training sessions nobody remembers. Marcy Baughman explains why education research has known for decades that these methods don't work and why companies keep using them anyway. The future of learning looks a lot more like practice than presentation. Learning science, workforce development, experiential learning, AI training, employee development, leadership. This conversation explores how companies can finally close the gap between learning and performance. In this episode… Marcy Baughman shares why experiential learning consistently outperforms lecture-based training, how AI and VR are transforming workforce development, and why organizations should hire for human skills and train for technical skills. Sharp discussion on learning science, employee growth, AI adoption, and the future of workplace learning. Key Takeaways : • Most corporate learning programs still rely on lecture-style training despite research showing it is one of the least effective ways to learn • Marcy says good learning techniques work across both education and workforce environments • Experiential learning remains one of the most effective learning methods available • Employees learn faster when they can practice skills in realistic, low-risk environments • Safe environments where learners can fail without consequences lead to stronger skill development • Corrective feedback is a critical part of how people actually learn and improve • Many organizations still fail to apply decades of learning science research to employee development • AI can now create realistic simulations and practice environments at scale • VR technology makes immersive learning experiences more accessible than ever before • Large language models allow learners to repeat scenarios until they build confidence and mastery • Companies increasingly hire for collaboration, communication, and adaptability while training technical skills later • The rise of AI is shifting work from doing tasks to managing systems, processes, and intelligent agents • Marcy recommends starting AI adoption with a simple exercise: review AI-generated output and decide whether you trust it • Building confidence with AI starts by recognizing its mistakes before relying on its strengths Guest : Marcy Baughman  Vice President of Learning Science & Research at Macmillan Learning, helping organizations apply proven learning science, research, and emerging technologies to improve education and workforce development outcomes. LinkedIN : https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcy-baughman-b1386810/ Connect with Us :  William Tincup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ WRKdefined :  Site: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/