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My daughter hates hitting off the new pitching machine when working with her coach. It is faster and more challenging for her than any other drill. During a recent session, I was reminded that we often only improve when faced with discomfort and tasks that push our limits. When things are easy, we are not getting better. I tried to reframe the situation for her - instead of seeing her struggles as failures, she could see them as opportunities to get better. Reframing the challenge as a stepping stone might pave the way for a more positive outlook and continued progress. (Who knows if she was actually listening!)

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📰 News & Notes

Learning Styles Are More Toxic Than We Thought

This post looks at the persistent myth of learning styles, arguing that not only is there a lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in improving learning outcomes, but their continued promotion may actually be harmful. It emphasizes that the belief in learning styles can lead educators to limit their teaching strategies and students to confine their learning potential, thereby hindering the educational process. The post advocates for a shift towards evidence-based teaching methods that cater to the diverse and dynamic ways in which people learn, rather than clinging to the debunked and restrictive concept of fixed learning styles.

🎯 Take away: Embracing the myth of learning styles not only lacks scientific backing but actively impedes educational progress by narrowing teaching and learning approaches.

The Anatomy of Addictive Content

This Moz blog post delves into the art of crafting addictive content by emphasizing the importance of understanding audience psychology, leveraging storytelling, and incorporating elements that trigger emotional engagement. It underscores the necessity of creating content that resonates on a personal level, making it not only informative but also relatable and memorable. By focusing on these strategies, content creators can significantly increase their content's appeal and stickiness, ensuring that readers not only consume but also share and return for more.

🎯 Take away: To make your content addictive, blend deep audience insights with compelling storytelling and emotional triggers, turning casual readers into loyal fans.

Email Marketing Tools are Great for L&D

Forget fancy social media apps and new-fangled AI! L&D teams can supercharge learner engagement with good old-fashioned email marketing tools. With automated nudges, personalized learning journeys, eye-catching design, and data-driven optimization, email is an easy-to-use, powerful, and inexpensive option that is far too often overlooked. Click on over to see which platform offers the most robust free version so you can give it a test drive with real projects.

🎯 Take away: Leverage email marketing's personalization, automation, and data-driven approach to boost learner engagement and program impact.

🧰 Tech Tools & Tips

If tools are your jam, check out my new Work Smarter newsletter.

🎧 Podcast

This is the conversation that caught my ear this week. Check out previous episodes in the Friday Finds podcast playlist.

🧳 Where’s Mike?

• ATD ICE, New Orleans May 19-22

• Canadian eLearning Conference, Toronto, June 13-14

• Greater Cincinnati ATD, September 4

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