Experiential Learning Design
A practical, research-informed workshop for trainers who want to build programs that help people use what they’ve learned.
I’ll email you as soon as new dates are confirmed
“A huge wealth of knowledge and experience. I feel confident applying the material.”
Recent participantWhen people are bored, they stop learning.
Training that leans on PowerPoint has a long record of low retention. A landmark meta-analysis in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Freeman et al., 2014) found that students in passive, lecture-based courses did significantly worse than those in active learning.
After 30 years working with trainers, I’ve seen this pattern over and over. The fix isn’t better slides. It’s experiential design, and there’s a long-standing, systematic way to do it.
Low retention from passive learning
Lecture-only formats leave people disengaged, and the information doesn’t stick.
High retention from experiential design
People do, reflect, make sense of it and apply it. Active learning produces measurably better results.
Five things you’ll take back to your work
A reusable experiential design system
A template that keeps everything in one place: activities, handouts, links, resources, even logistics. No more hunting through files and folders. Use it every time you design.
A Padlet workspace for the creative side
The Padlet handles the creative work and the template handles the administration. Both are yours to keep and adapt.
Ready-to-adapt evaluation tools
Workshop evaluation forms to measure how participants reacted, plus pre/post tests to measure what they actually learned. All ready to tailor to your setting.
A framework for auditing training
Tools to review your own programs, and to check whether outside consultants are really applying experiential principles or just ticking boxes.
12 hours of continuing education and a certificate
You’ll receive a Certificate of Experiential Learning Design, plus documentation to support professional development reimbursement where it applies.
Straight from the room
“This course will really help us revamp and strengthen our workshops.”Participant
“I’m glad I took this class before stepping into facilitation. I learned techniques I can use right away.”Participant
“A huge wealth of knowledge and experience. I feel confident applying the material.”Participant
“There’s a lot of great information I wish I’d had before I began facilitating.”Participant
- ✓25+ years teaching in StFX’s Diploma in Adult Education
- ✓30 years working with trainers across sectors
- ✓Over 30,000 learners across Canada and Europe
- ✓Specialist in experiential and adult learning design
30 years of designing training that works.
This workshop grew out of more than 25 years teaching in the Diploma in Adult Education program at St. Francis Xavier University, a nationally respected program that ran for 50 years. Many graduates asked me to carry the work on independently.
This is the first time I’m offering it on my own: a direct continuation of that tradition, brought forward.
Allie
Everything you need to know
Schedule and format
A good fit for
Enrolment is limited, so spaces go quickly.
Registering several people from the same organization? Get in touch for a group rate.
Reach out and I’ll let you know when the next session is scheduled.
Start designing today with the Training Design Studio
Built on the same experiential model, it walks you through four steps: needs assessment, learning objective, evaluation and design. Work in your browser and print a plan you can deliver.
Join the next session of this practical, research-grounded workshop.
You’ll draw on what you learn every time you design a program.
Tell me when dates are set →New dates are coming soon. Questions? Email allie@amlearning.ca
© 2026 Alison McEachern · McEachern & Associates Consulting Inc. · amlearning.ca