There’s been an excessive amount of chatter in the industry about the science of learning. So how do you cut through all the talk and get straight to the action—to the information that will change what you do the next time you sit down at your desk or get up in front of a classroom? At ASTD 2014, we’re proudly launching the Science of Learning Community of Practice. In this community, you’ll find content that is streamlined and facts-based, supported by rigorous research in adult learning—content that is sure to make an impact on the way you work. We encourage you to check out two outstanding sessions in the new Science of Learning track at ASTD 2014. Shawn Andrews, EdD, the senior manager of global training and compliance at Allergan, will host Emotional Intelligence and Leadership: Implications for the Career Advancement of Women. Andrews, who has more than 20 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry, will present her dissertation research on the leadership gap between men and women.

First, a review of the facts: Women comprise more than 50 percent of the workforce. They make up more than 50 percent of middle managers and more than 50 percent of those with professional degrees. However, only 14 percent of those in executive-level positions are women, and only 3 percent in the top spots at Fortune 500 companies. Andrews will explore the factors contributing to this gap, showing how men and women are raised in “different cultures,” and how this carries over into the workplace. And, while it turns out that gender has no bearing on emotional intelligence, men and women do possess certain attributes and competencies that are considered gender-specific. Taking this research into account, Andrews will present practical EQ strategies for career advancement—for women and men. She’ll also discuss case studies of organizations that have successfully promoted the career advancement of their female employees, so you can also take away best practices in diversity and inclusion (D&I). For those interested in adopting neuroscience principles for their e-learning programs, Alice Kim and Carol Leaman will host Leveraging the Latest in Brain Science to Deliver the Next Generation of E-Learning. Alice Kim, postdoctoral fellow at the Rotman Research Institute, a premier international center for the study of the human brain, and Carol Leaman, CEO of Axonify, will discuss three key areas of research that are expected to affect corporate e-learning. Kim and Leaman will demonstrate how the latest learning technology solutions are based on neuroscience; and furthermore, how companies are applying research in this field to their learning offerings. This session will be a game-changer for those intrigued by neuroscience’s promising implications for e-learning, but are unsure of how to harness this (somewhat intimidating) area of expertise. Alice Kim

ASTD is very excited to introduce ASTD 2014 attendees to the Science of Learning with these and other sessions in the Science of Learning track. We believe developments in neuroscience are shifting how learning and development practitioners approach their work—and how they are perceived by their organizations. We’re here to help you learn these evidence-based practices, adopt them for your unique situations, and improve your own performance as well as that of others. Join more than 9,000 of your learning colleagues from around the globe in Washington, D.C., May 4-7, 2014, to share best practices and insights at the ASTD 2014 International Conference & EXPO.