Preconference Learning

Adult Learning Certificate

Course Info

Gain foundational knowledge of the theories and cognitive science principles underlying adult learning in the workplace to design, build, and facilitate learning with greater impact.

The practices and techniques used for successful adult learning differ greatly from those used for teaching children. By understanding the science behind adult development and how adults learn, talent development and adult education professionals can optimize learning and development initiatives to better meet business outcomes and drive behavior change. Simply put, this adult learning certificate course will change the way you work and increase your impact.

This comprehensive adult education program introduces key adult learning and cognitive science theories. You will explore how the adult brain works, including information processing, cognitive load, and communication theories, and how they can be deployed in a learning setting.

This course demonstrates how instructional designers, facilitators, subject matter experts who train, and other practitioners can put these principles and theories into practice to maximize learning impact.

With this critical knowledge at your fingertips, you will be able to use adult learning principles to inform all aspects of your adult development and training initiatives. From conducting needs assessments to developing learning content to engaging and motivating participants in and outside of the classroom, what you will learn in this adult education certificate program will add immediate value to your work.

Research-Backed Content: This certificate program aligns to the Learning Sciences Capability in the Talent Development Capability Model™. It also aligns with content and concepts presented in the TDBoK™ Guide: Talent Development Body of Knowledge, second edition, which serves as the authoritative reference for professionals in the talent development field.

Why Should I Attend?

Gain a comprehensive understanding of applying adult learning and cognitive science theory to help you improve your talent development efforts.
See adult learning principles in action through ATD expert facilitation and course design and activities.
Apply your learning through case studies, reflections, peer collaboration, and a personalized project.
Earn an industry-recognized adult education certificate, continuing education credits, and an ATD digital badge to share with your networks.

Dates & Times

May 15 – 16, 2026, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Pacific Time

Preconference Learning Price

ATD Member: $2,045
Non Member: $2,345

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Ethan Sanders

Ethan Sanders is the Founder and CEO of Sundial Learning Systems, a consulting firm specializing in the fields of organizational strategy, development, and engagement. Ethan has provided consulting services to clients in the public, nonprofit, military, and private sectors for over 30 years. His leadership experience includes building and leading Sundial, directing AARP’s learning and development function, leading a Human Performance practice for ICF International, directing career management for the US Navy’s Human Performance Center, and managing instructional design and competency research for the Association of Talent Development (formerly ASTD).

He is a nationally recognized speaker who has published numerous books and articles on topics related to workplace learning and performance; he is also a certified performance technologist through the International Society for Performance Improvement, a certified action learning coach through the World Institute for Action Learning, and a certified Clifton Strengths coach through Gallup.

Ethan is the recipient of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement, the US Navy’s Meritorious Service Award, and the Association for Talent Development (ATD) ‘BEST Award’. Ethan has been a faculty member of ATD for over 25 years, an associate professor at the University of Maryland since 2010, and has presented at workplace learning and performance conferences around the world.