Six Evidence-Based Shifts for the Future of Workplace Learning: Designing for Better Learning and Performance
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open; apply by November 30, 2025.
Our world is defined by complexity, uncertainty, and rapid technological change, most notably the rise of generative and agentic AI, which is transforming not just how people think, create, and collaborate, but what it means to learn and work.
Learning professionals today must take on the role of building and anticipating workforce capability and readiness, becoming enablers of performance. As it becomes increasingly obvious that learning can no longer be something that happens apart from work, learning designers face a new challenge
Where does learning naturally occur in contexts and systems of work, and how do we design around those moments rather than apart from them?
This certificate program helps you design learning that fits where and how people actually work. Drawing on research from the Next Level Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education as well as more broadly, it uses six evidence-based shifts as design provocations to help you reimagine what effective, future-ready learning can look like in today’s workplace.
Shift 1: From engagement to agentive learning
How might we move from “capturing attention” to giving control to learners over their learning?
Shift 2: From isolated learning environments to learning embedded in workflows and contexts
How might we embed learning into real tasks, tools, and rhythms—without adding friction?
Shift 3: From specific and narrow skills to flexible expertise that transfers
How might we design for transfer so people can adapt skills across contexts, tasks, and ambiguous problems?
Shift 4: From creating more content to building better learning habits
How might we help learners develop habits that strengthen and sustain their learning over time?
Shift 5: From learning as purely cognitive to learning as cognitive, emotional, situated, and relational
How might we intentionally work with motivation, emotion, identity, context, and relationships as design levers to unlock readiness, persistence, and transfer?
Shift 6: From culture as backdrop to culture as compass
How might we surface the ways culture shapes how people think, learn, and work?
As a learning professional, you are being asked to help people learn faster, adapt better, and perform with confidence amid ambiguity. This program helps you operationalize those mandates and design learning that meets people where they work. You’ll leave with frameworks and prototypes you can apply immediately to make workplace learning more continuous, adaptive, and human.
Grounded in research from the Next Level Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and informed by cognitive science, neuroscience, and learning design, this certificate course invites you to shape a new standard for work-related learning, one that is evidence-based, future-focused, and embedded in how work actually happens.
Flexible Learning Pathways
| Self-Paced Online Experience | AI-Supported Learning Experience | 2-Day On-Campus Immersive (Cohort) |
| Engage with interactive modules that feature research, case studies, and practical tools. Each week, learners explore one of the shifts through videos, readings, and reflective practice assignments that can be immediately applied in their work. Estimated to take 18 hours to complete | Combine engagement with curated content and personalized AI guidance for a rich, adaptive learning experience. Learners can progress at their own pace and demonstrate competency through interactive engagements with their AI coach. Estimated to take 18 hours to complete | Join a cohort of learning professionals for an immersive two-day experience. Date options will be provided upon acceptance for your consideration. Estimated to take 15 hours to complete on campus and 3 hours before arriving. |
Course Information
Who should apply?
This program is ideal for professionals who shape learning in the workplace, including:
- Internal L&D Practitioners designing programs within organizations
- External L&D Consultants supporting workforce transformation
- Facilitators and Trainers modernizing their practice for today’s workplace
What are the learning pathways?
Learning pathways are the different formats through which you can experience the program—allowing you to choose the approach that best fits your goals, schedule, and preferences. You’ll select your preferred pathway on your Application Form. There are three Learning Pathways for the 2026 cohort: Self-Paced Online Experience, AI-Supported Learning Experience, 2-Day On-Campus Immersive (Cohort). All three learning pathways are estimated to take about 18 hours to complete.
How much does it cost and when does it start?
The cost of the program is $750 USD, regardless of which learning pathway you select. This single fee covers access to all program materials, resources, and learning experiences within your chosen pathway.
If you choose the on-campus 2-Day Immersive experience, please note that travel and accommodation are not included. Participants are responsible for organizing and covering their own travel arrangements to and from campus.
The cohort will take place during the Spring Semester (January 27, 2026 – May 15th, 2026). Specific options for the 2-day on-campus experience will be offered to admitted students.
What is the application process?
To apply, simply complete the online application form. It collects basic information about your professional background, experience, and learning goals. Once submitted, you’ll receive an admissions decision by December 16th.
Applications are due 11:59pm USA EST November 30, 2025.
The form asks for:
- Personal and professional details – name, contact information, organization, role, location, and area of work
- Professional background – industry, education level, years of experience, and a CV or résumé upload (LinkedIn optional)
- Program preferences – your chosen learning pathway (Self-Paced Online, AI-Supported Experience, or 2-Day Immersive Cohort) and how you heard about the program
- Short reflections – why you’re interested in the Six Evidence-Based Shifts for the Future of Workplace Learning, examples of your learning design experience, and which shift feels most relevant to your context
- Additional information – your choice to receive updates from the Next Level Lab and any final notes
Most applicants complete the online form in 20–30 minutes. You’ll move more quickly if you have your CV or résumé ready and take a few minutes beforehand to reflect on the short-answer questions about your learning experience and professional goals.
What certification do I receive?
A Certificate in Workplace Learning from the Harvard Graduate School of Education
What is the Next Level Lab?
The Next Level Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, housed within Project Zero, translates research from cognitive science, neuroscience, and the learning sciences into practical tools for work related learning. This course is designed and delivered by the Next Level Lab.
