Evidence and Intuition: Balancing Research and Human Connection in Adult Learning

When developing adult education trainings and programming within organizations, I typically hear the same question: “Is your process evidence-based?” 

Even with my academic background in Adult Education and Urban Education, this question always makes me cringe. Yes, implementing evidence-based approaches is important. However, I find that most teams often do so at the cost of their organizational “heart”—the true passion and purpose behind their work. When programs become too focused on utilizing practices based on “evidence,” they often leave important aspects of teaching and learning behind—person-centered, relationship-focused, intuitive practice. In my opinion, these are the most important foundations for the development of meaningful, engaging, impactful, and transformational learning experiences. 

Without these crucial elements, organizations often find themselves checking boxes, rather than changing lives. 

The Limitations of "The Facts"

Don't get me wrong—I deeply value research. Evidence-based practices give us crucial frameworks, help us understand how learning happens, and prevent us from relying solely on what "feels right" without any grounding in reality.

But here's what the research often misses: the human sitting across from you is not a data point.

They bring their whole story into the learning space—their past experiences with education, their current stressors, their dreams, their fears, and their unique way of making sense of the world. No standardized curriculum, no matter how well-researched, can fully account for this beautiful complexity. I often say that those we serve are the curriculum.

Heart-centered practice isn't about abandoning rigor or throwing out what we know works. It's about integrating evidence-based approaches with our capacity for genuine human connection, intuition, and presence.

Here's what this looks like in practice:

Starting with connection before content. Yes, research shows that psychological safety accelerates learning. But creating that safety isn't just about following a protocol—it's about genuinely seeing and honoring the person in front of you.

Listening for what's not being said. While we track participation metrics, we also attune to energy shifts, body language, and the spaces between words where real insight often lives.

Trusting the process, not just the plan. Evidence-based frameworks give us a roadmap, but many times the most transformative learning happens when we're brave enough to follow an unexpected path that opens up in the moment.

Leading with our own humanity. The research on vulnerable leadership is clear—authenticity builds trust. But embodying this means being willing to share our own challenges, failures, and growth edges—not just our expertise.

The Both/And Approach

In our work at MKEGRIND, we've learned that the most powerful transformation happens at the intersection of thorough preparation and genuine presence. 

We study the research on adult development, trauma responses, and effective facilitation…
And we create space for the unpredictable magic that emerges when people feel truly seen and supported.

We design curricula based on proven learning principles…
And we remain flexible enough to pivot when someone's story opens up a teaching moment we couldn't have planned.

We measure outcomes and track progress…
And we honor the shifts that can't be quantified—the tears that fall or the posture that changes as someone realizes their own worth, the energy that fills a room when authentic and vulnerable community forms.

If you're someone who facilitates learning, development, or change in others, I invite you to consider this question: What would shift in your practice if you trusted both your training and your heart?

Maybe it's allowing more space for stories in your structured workshops. Maybe it's checking in with your gut when the energy in the room feels off, even if you're "on schedule." Maybe it's sharing a moment of your own vulnerability when it feels authentic and relevant.

When we show up as whole human beings—informed by research and guided by presence, vulnerability, and authenticity—we give others permission to do the same. And that's where real transformation begins to unfold.

At the end of the day, people don't just need better information or more efficient learning methods. They need to know that their growth matters to someone who sees their full humanity.

And, yes, the evidence supports this too! 

Some of the most important evidence lives in the connections we create, the trust we build, and the light we help others see in themselves.