About ATLAS

ATLAS is an internationally recognized Learning System grounded in decades of global research with

leading academic institutions and organizations. The ATLAS Instrument © has been translated into

several languages and has been used globally to assess learning strategy preferences within diverse

populations in fields such as government, business, industry, academia, medicine, athletics, armed

forces, and leadership.

ATLAS stands for Assessing The Learning strategies of AdultS, but the name also infers that the

ATLAS Learning System provides leaders and learners with a “book of maps” to successfully

navigate their way around the world of learning The self-scoring, valid, and reliable ATLAS Instrument

is designed to quickly identify one’s learning preferences. ATLAS learners are categorized into three

major learning strategy preference groups, each with a set of common learning characteristics and

well-defined methods to apply when approaching and working through learning tasks. It is important

to note that the descriptions are not to be used to label or to stereotype individuals. Rather they are

meant to heighten awareness of commonalities and patterns each learning preference group uses to

process information and make decisions. Understanding these learning preferences helps leaders to

leverage learning more effectively for themselves and their teams.

The Creators of ATLAS

1998 through a meta-research project involving a large international community exploring adult learning strategies. Rita then founded ATLAS Learning and Performance Consultants Ltd and remains an international leader, author, educational innovator, and workplace learning consultant specializing in teaching, training, and workplace performance. It is this research that forms the basis of the innovative and impactful ATLAS Instructional Design Framework grounded in emerging neuroscience and evidence-based learning practices. Rita has also been inspiring academic and industry leaders for over two decades to hack the learning curve as they:

NAVIGATE through projects, deadlines, and learning events,
PROBLEM SOLVE with critical thinking and creative solutions, and
ENGAGE with passion to achieve meaningful outcomes that make a difference.

The Goal of the ATLAS Learning System

The ATLAS Learning System is based on the self-scoring ATLAS Instrument© and is used to reliably identify learning strategy preference across cultures. The overarching goal of ATLAS is to empower individuals to develop beyond their dominant ATLAS tendencies by intentionally practicing and integrating the strengths of the other two groups, becoming a Learning Strategist through transformational learning. Integration matters because the ability to flex between these modes predicts lifelong success in learning, leadership, and wellbeing. Integrated learners are more resilient, adaptive, and socially intelligent, all qualities the modern world demands. ATLAS also gives leaders a powerful lens for understanding how people think, learn, and take action—revealing the hidden patterns that shape performance, communication, and collaboration. By identifying whether team members naturally approach challenges as Navigators, Problem Solvers, or Engagers, leaders gain immediate insight into how to motivate individuals, assign work that aligns with their strengths, and reduce friction across teams. ATLAS helps leaders elevate productivity through better planning, sharper critical thinking, and stronger relational intelligence, while building inclusive environments where every learning strategy is valued. When leaders borrow from all three ATLAS pathways themselves, they model whole-learner excellence, making clearer decisions, communicating with greater impact, and guiding teams with confidence, empathy, and strategic foresight.