Research shows that microlearning works
Although microlearning was introduced nearly 60 years ago, the training method has only recently started to catch on. And for a good reason. Now the research suggests that microlearning works. Today, it has become an effective learning method in corporate learning and development. No wonder, it has surpassed macrolearning as the prevalent skill development strategy.
The technique is also a favourite among millennials, who make up a huge portion of the workforce. They prefer smaller chunks of data over hours of PowerPoint presentations and lectures. Therefore, the sooner you adopt the technique, the faster you’ll enhance your corporate training initiatives.
But since successful organizations are all about numbers, we’re about to cover key research that supports the efficacy of microlearning.
Microlearning works perfectly for corporate training.
The founders of microlearning worked tirelessly on devising a perfect training approach. They paid close attention to all aspects, ensuring a favorable response from the scientific community.
Microlearning provides more efficient learning
Research by the Journal of Applied Psychology indicates that bite-sized modules improve the efficiency of learning by 17%. There are many reasons why microlearning works. Primarily, smaller chunks of data are easily accessible. This offers participants convenient ways to absorb new information whenever necessary. Bite-sized content is also more focused, eliminating the need to memorize irrelevant information and facilitating retention.
Additionally, learning is easily understandable since users only have to understand tiny bits of data. These modules typically deal with one or two learning objectives, yielding four to five takeaways.
It addresses modern learning needs.
Another reason why microlearning works is the relevance to the participants’ needs. Since the content is closely related to your employees’ day-to-day tasks, they are more likely to find it useful. In fact, a whopping 98% of members of one of Warren Buffet’s companies find microlearning materials extremely valuable.
This approach is perfect for millennials. It’s highly customizable, provides on-demand learning, and offers an informal setting. It allows your staff to switch from long-form e-learning modules and digest information quickly, multi-task between meetings, and retain new knowledge better.
Microlearning triggers greater engagement
Learner boredom and disengagement stunt the chances of any training program to yield optimal results. Microlearning helps you overcome this obstacle. According to Software Advice, nearly 60% of employees are more likely to use their organization’s learning platform if it features shorter courses. They indicated that longer modules are more challenging to absorb and hinder their everyday operations.
Microlearning works because it not only rightsize training materials but also provides higher engagement. This factor is essential since short modules don’t guarantee learner engagement. Instead, the courses should be sprinkled with media-rich content, such as videos, images, infographics, and audio.
This method also offers ample opportunities for social learning. There are various quizzes and PDFs that elicit collaboration and communication, allowing your employees to develop skills together.
Moreover, microlearning courses only contain the information your staff needs to understand. They stick to practical knowledge and weed out unnecessary details, like background information and bland anecdotes. This way, your team members can access and revise useful content in seconds, saving precious time.
Learning in short stretches matches short attention spans
The brain isn’t designed to keep people focused during three-hour-long lectures. On average, the attention span of millennials is just 12 seconds. As a result, short learning bursts with spaced-out courses are better suited for knowledge acquisition. Repetition also plays a key role, and microlearning ticks all those boxes.
Short spurts combined with brief mental breaks address waning attention spans. It keeps the participants alert while receiving data, facilitating information storing without disengaging. Consequently, the users experience condensed and effective training.
Furthermore, microlearning modules repeat bits of knowledge in a well-thought-out format to bolster the training impact. Since the same materials are presented differently several times, there are higher chances of retention.
Microlearning reduces costs and increases development speed
Ray Jimenez, an employee learning expert, asserts that microlearning is beneficial to companies on many levels. Primarily, it can help cut their development costs in half and increase development speed by a staggering 300%.
Since there are no instructors, you don’t need to pay for their time. There’s also no need to rent classrooms, cover the utilities, and purchase expensive equipment.
In addition, implementing this technique takes less time and resources. Feeding the platform with new digital data is largely automated, and there are no bulky manuals you need to reprint. Moreover, supplementary classroom sessions aren’t necessary since the trainees can access learning content whenever they want.
Finally, microlearning courses have a modular nature, making them easy to roll out. Most of the content is readily available, and all you need to do is customize the materials according to learner preferences.
Tackle the forgetting curve
The Forgetting Curve was developed by Hermann Ebbinghaus in the 19th century. The psychologist was most famous for studying quantitative memory research.
He compiled his findings and came up with a concept called the Forgetting Curve. According to the theory, people forget half of what they learn within 24 hours and 90% within a single month.
However, the forgetfulness rate decreases each time your employees revisit their training material. Microlearning encourages them to go back to various units more often. This makes it the perfect method to memorize more information.
On top of that, microlearning provides mobile-compatible courses that make the participants even more eager to rehash their skills. Thus, they can learn at their own pace and ensure newly acquired knowledge remains in their arsenal.
Microlearning comes to the rescue
In today’s dynamic workplace, you need to keep up with the latest developments to provide your team with ideal training solutions. Macrolearning won’t cut it anymore since the millennials have taken over. It’s time to take up microlearning, and the easiest way to do so is to integrate with Learnsure – a fully functional LXP (Learning Experience Platform).
We offer a full range of premium features, including user-generated content, gamification, and responsive modules. Book your demo, and see how our top-rated platform can assist your banking, finance, or insurance organization.
