As companies continue to adapt to the rapidly changing business environment, there has been an increasing emphasis on employee development and learning. However, the traditional learning model, characterized by long, exhaustive training sessions, often falls short in today’s fast-paced digital age. Enter microlearning – a training approach that is rapidly gaining popularity. This article will explore why companies are gravitating towards microlearning and why it’s proving to be successful.
Microlearning modules are focused on a single concept or skill, engaging learners actively, improving their understanding and retention of the information
What is Microlearning?
Microlearning, as the term suggests, involves breaking down learning material into bite-sized, manageable chunks. These short, focused segments of content are often only a few minutes long, designed to convey a single concept or skill. Microlearning materials can take various formats, including interactive quizzes, short videos, infographics, podcasts, and more.
The Appeal of Microlearning
Microlearning has several advantages compared to more traditional long-form learning.
Catering to Short Time Spans
Studies spanning from 1978 through 2015 indicate that the average human attention span has been decreasing, with the average adult attention span now under 20 minutes. Microlearning, with its short, focused content, caters perfectly to this trend. It allows learners to consume information in small doses, making the learning process more engaging and less overwhelming. With workers spending about 2-3 hours a month learning new skills at work – it’s essential to make the most of that time.
Flexibility and Convenience
The modular nature of microlearning allows learners to fit training into their schedule whenever and wherever it suits them. With each small bit of learning standing alone, it’s also easily adaptable to different learning goals. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in the modern corporate world, where employees often juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities.
Speed
Microlearning modules are quicker and cheaper to develop and update than traditional training materials. This allows companies to keep their training content up-to-date and relevant in rapidly changing industries.
Why does it work?
Microlearning can be used as a reinforcement tool, reinforcing key concepts and skills that were previously learned. This approach, known as spaced repetition, has been shown to significantly enhance long-term memory retention.
Spaced repetition is a learning technique grounded in the spacing effect, a cognitive principle first observed by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century, which suggests that learning is more effective when it’s spaced out over time rather than crammed into one session.
This approach is designed to improve long-term memory retention by exploiting the brain’s tendency to recall information better after a period of forgetting (about 24 hours) and then recalling it. Central to this concept is the forgetting curve, another of Ebbinghaus’s concepts, which shows how memory retention declines over time if a person does not review or recall and use the information.
Microlearning aligns with our cognitive understanding of how the brain processes information. The human brain is better at encoding information into long-term memory when it’s presented in small, spaced-out chunks rather than in a single, intensive session. This is known as the spacing effect – explained above, a phenomenon widely recognized in cognitive psychology.
Encourages Active Learning
The brevity of microlearning modules encourages active engagement from learners. Because each module is focused on a single concept or skill, learners are more likely to engage with the material actively, improving their understanding and retention of the information.
When is it important to use Active Learning?
Microlearning lends itself well to active learning because the short nature of each piece of learning drives a narrow focus on a single idea. Active learning is important in virtually all learning contexts, but its significance becomes pronounced under the following circumstances.
Complex Subject Matter
When dealing with complex topics that require more than rote memorization, active learning can facilitate a deep understanding. It encourages learners to analyze, synthesize, and apply information, which leads to better retention and the ability to use the knowledge in different contexts.
Applied Skill Development
Active learning is crucial in developing practical skills, whether it’s learning a new language, coding, or mastering a musical instrument. By actively engaging with the learning material, learners can practice and refine their skills over time.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Active learning fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It invites learners to question, debate, and solve problems, which enhances their analytical abilities.
Engagement and Motivation
Microlearning, when crafted thoughtfully, engages active learning. The learning experience can be more interactive and fun, which increases learner motivation and contributes to a positive learning experience.
Tailored, Personalized Learning
Given its modular structure, microlearning can easily be tailored to the needs of individual learners. By allowing employees to choose which modules to engage with and in what order, microlearning facilitates a personalized learning experience, enhancing motivation and outcomes.
Conclusion
Microlearning is proving to be a valuable tool in the corporate training arsenal. Its appeal lies in its flexibility, relevance, and alignment with cognitive science. Companies embracing microlearning are finding it an effective way to develop and engage their workforce, equip them with the necessary skills, and ultimately drive business performance. As technology continues to advance and our understanding of learning deepens, it’s clear that the trend towards microlearning will continue to shape the future of corporate training.
