Is Microlearning only about Learner Convenience?
Introduction
Microlearning has become a buzzword in the eLearning domain, touted as the solution to dwindling attention spans and the need for bite-sized learning. However, is microlearning merely a convenient fix for modern learners, or is it rooted in deeper principles of learner psychology and instructional design science?
On the surface, microlearning seems to cater to the demands of today’s learners, who are accustomed to consuming information in short, easily digestible chunks.
Benefits of Microlearning
Some of the more popular benefits of microlearning are:
– Suits reduced attention spans
– Enhances engagement
– Facilitates just-in-time learning
However, to reduce microlearning to mere convenience oversimplifies its potential. Microlearning is much more than just a convenient way to learn. It’s a powerful learning approach that aligns with how our brains process and retain information. A closer examination reveals that microlearning is grounded in fundamental principles of learning and instructional design.
Foundational benefits of Microlearning
Spaced repetition and the forgetting curve
Microlearning leverages spaced repetition, which is a learning technique that involves increasing intervals of time between subsequent review of previously learned material. Spaced repetition is based on the “spacing effect,” a memory phenomenon where our brains are more likely to recall information rehearsed over spaced intervals.
This technique is proven to combat the forgetting curve, a concept theorized by German psychologist Dr. Hermann Ebbinghaus (and supported by neuroscientists), which illustrates how information is lost over time when there is no attempt to retain it. According to this theory, on average, people forget 50% of new information within the first hour that passes and 70% within 24 hours. Spaced repetition counters this by reinforcing the memory at optimal intervals, slowing the rate of forgetting and enhancing recall. As a learner’s memory gets stronger, intervals between repetition and recall can also get longer. Eventually, that information will become part of their long-term memory. In essence, then, spaced learning is the secret to bypassing the forgetting curve.
Thus, by presenting bite-sized information at spaced intervals, microlearning reinforces learning and enhances long-term retention.
Chunking and cognitive load management
Our working memory can only hold a limited amount of information at once. Microlearning employs the concept of chunking. This technique is based on the limited capacity of our working memory to process a limited number of items simultaneously.
Chunking breaks down complex information into smaller, manageable units (or chunks), making it easier to process and remember. This helps manage cognitive load, preventing overwhelm and facilitating better understanding.
The Benefits of Chunking for Memory
1. Encoding and Storage
Our brains have a limited capacity for holding information in short-term memory, typically around 7 items. Chunking overcomes this limitation by combining multiple pieces of data into a single, meaningful unit or chunk. By grouping information into small chunks, the brain can encode and store data more efficiently. Each chunk becomes an easily accessible cognitive unit.
For example, trying to remember a long string of numbers like 194117761789 is challenging. However, by grouping them into familiar chunks like phone numbers (194-117-7617 and 89), the information becomes easier to store and recall.
2. Reactivation and Consolidation
Chunking makes it easier to reactivate information by creating robust mental associations. When information is chunked, it becomes easier for the brain to reactivate and consolidate it into long-term memory. Reactivation involves bringing information back to conscious awareness, while consolidation strengthens the neural connections associated with that information. Regular practice and review of chunked information reinforces these neural connections, making the information more readily accessible in the future.
3. Practical application
In training, chunking can be used to structure courses into clear sections, allowing learners to focus on one idea at a time. For example, an e-learning course could be divided into three distinct microlearning parts, each ending with a flashcard.
A history lesson on World War II could be divided into microlearning chunks like the causes, major battles, and outcomes. This approach makes the information more manageable for students and improves their understanding and retention.
Chunking is highly effective in skills training. Consider learning to play a new musical piece. By breaking down the piece music into smaller sections or phrases, a musician can practice and master each part individually before combining them to form a complete performance. This approach enhances learning efficiency and reduces frustration.
Contextual learning and transfer of learning
Microlearning often provides information in context, making it relevant and meaningful.
Contextual learning is a pedagogical approach that places learning within authentic real-world scenarios. By embedding information within its natural context, learners can grasp its significance and relevance more effectively. Microlearning, with its short, focused content bursts, is ideally suited for delivering information contextually.
This contextual learning aids in the transfer of learning, where skills or knowledge gained in one context can be applied in another situation. Contextual learning significantly enhances transfer of learning by bridging the gap between theory and practice. When learners encounter information in a realistic context, they develop a deeper understanding of how to apply it in different scenarios.
By creating a strong connection between learning content and real-world applications, contextual learning fosters a deeper level of comprehension and skill development. This ultimately leads to improved performance and adaptability in various situations.
It’s about learning something in a way that it can be used in real-life situations.
Personalization and adaptive learning
Microlearning can be tailored to individual learners’ needs, preferences, and pace. This personalized experience fosters increased engagement and effectiveness, as learners receive relevant content that resonates with their unique requirements.
For instance, in a microlearning-based language course, learners can be presented with bite-sized lessons that adapt to their proficiency level, interests, and learning style. If a learner struggles with grammar, the system can provide additional practice exercises, while skipping ahead to more advanced topics for those who excel.
Adaptive learning systems take this a step further by continuously assessing learner performance and adjusting the difficulty level, learning path, and content. For difficulty level, the system increases or decreases the complexity of content to match the learner’s growing skills. Regarding the learning path, it redirects learners to alternative topics or exercises based on their strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to content, the system serves relevant, real-world examples or scenarios that align with the learner’s interests and job requirements.
For example, an eLearning platform for sales training might use adaptive learning to provide a new sales representative with foundational modules on product knowledge and customer service. It could offer an experienced salesperson advanced modules on negotiation techniques and account management. For a sales team leader, it could serve strategic modules on team performance and leadership development.
Adaptive learning systems take this a step further by continuously assessing learner performance and adjusting the difficulty level, learning path, and content. For difficulty level, the system increases or decreases the complexity of content to match the learner’s growing skills. Regarding the learning path, it redirects learners to alternative topics or exercises based on their strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to content, the system serves relevant, real-world examples or scenarios that align with the learner’s interests and job requirements.
For example, an eLearning platform for sales training might use adaptive learning to provide a new sales representative with foundational modules on product knowledge and customer service. It could offer an experienced salesperson advanced modules on negotiation techniques and account management. For a sales team leader, it could serve strategic modules on team performance and leadership development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while microlearning does offer convenience, its significance extends far beyond that. It’s a strategic approach that leverages cognitive science and instructional design principles to deliver effective, efficient, and engaging learning experiences.
By understanding the underlying principles of learner psychology and instructional design, we can unlock microlearning’s full potential and create more effective, engaging, and sustainable learning experiences.
It’s about making learning stick!
To learn more about microlearning content development, connect with Mitr Learning & Media.
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