In today’s fast-paced world, time is precious—especially for adult learners who are balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
🧠 WHAT WE LEARNED: A recap!
In the last article, Learner Centric Design taught us how to tailor content for learner success. Microlearning takes this a step further by delivering information in bite-sized, highly focused sessions for better retention and adaptability.
Microlearning is a game-changer in the world of eLearning, offering short, focused learning sessions designed to fit seamlessly into a busy lifestyle.
These “micro” lessons are not only convenient, but they also help boost retention and improve engagement. 📈
⚡ What is Microlearning?
Microlearning is all about breaking down training into small, easily digestible bursts—much like chunking content, which we discussed earlier in our series. Both strategies aim to make complex information manageable for learners.
Typically lasting between 5 to 10 minutes, each microlearning session focuses on a specific topic or skill, allowing learners to engage with the material without feeling overwhelmed.
Think of it like taking a quick snack-sized approach to learning instead of sitting down for a heavy meal—small, but packed with the essentials. 🍏
🔍 Why Microlearning Works
Microlearning works because it aligns with how the human brain naturally learns and retains information. Research indicates that learning in short, focused bursts can improve retention by up to 20% compared to traditional, longer learning formats (Thalheimer, 2018).
Shorter learning times are easier to fit into daily routines, such as during a commute, lunch break, or while waiting for an appointment, which means learners are more likely to stay engaged and complete their training.
🚀 The Role of Spaced Repetition
One of the keys to making microlearning effective is spaced repetition. This approach involves revisiting content over time, which promotes a deeper understanding and ensures that information sticks in long-term memory. For example, using flashcards at regular intervals to review material helps learners reinforce their knowledge and retain information more effectively. By combining microlearning with spaced repetition, learners have multiple opportunities to absorb and apply new skills—leading to true learning mastery.
✨ Benefits of Microlearning
Fits Busy Schedules: Microlearning is ideal for adult learners who need flexibility. Short, focused sessions can be completed during breaks, commutes, or even over a cup of coffee.
Increased Retention: Learning in small bursts has been shown to improve retention significantly. When learners are only focused for a few minutes, they absorb information better.
Enhanced Engagement: Bite-sized lessons are less intimidating and more engaging. Learners can interact with one specific concept at a time, keeping them interested and motivated to continue.
Just-in-Time Learning: Microlearning can be used for just-in-time learning, where learners access a quick module right when they need it. For example, a customer service representative might quickly review a microlearning module on handling difficult customers just before an important call. This makes it highly practical and actionable.
🛠️ Microlearning in Action
Imagine you’re creating a sales training program. Instead of overwhelming your team with a long, all-day workshop, break the training into three short modules like:
Handling Objections,
Using Open-Ended Questions,
and Effective Closing Techniques.
Each module takes about 5-10 minutes to complete, allowing team members to learn at their own pace and revisit any section as needed. This approach makes learning more digestible and effective, similar to the way chunking content allows learners to handle information in structured, manageable pieces.
📈 Microlearning for the Modern Learner
Microlearning is a powerful tool for today’s learners who need flexibility without compromising on quality.
By delivering content in bite-sized segments and using strategies like spaced repetition, instructional designers can create eLearning that’s both impactful and easy to engage with.
The goal is to make learning something that fits into the flow of everyday life—helping learners grow their skills without feeling overwhelmed. 🌱
🌐 UP NEXT: Gamification Principles
In the next article we’ll explore how to apply Gamification—using game mechanics to keep learners motivated, engaged, and excited to complete their training.
If you're looking for expert support to make your learning programs more impactful and learner-focused, reach out to BrightSpark! Our team can help you create eLearning solutions that truly resonate with your audience.
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