In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, we’re diving into microlearning - an innovative way to teach and share knowledge in small, digestible chunks. Whether you’re a teacher, corporate trainer, coach, or content creator, microlearning offers a way to engage your audience, improve knowledge retention, and make learning accessible for today’s fast-paced world.
We’ll explore what microlearning is, why it works so well, and how you can incorporate it into your teaching or training strategies. From boosting engagement to sparking curiosity, this episode is packed with actionable tips and ideas to help you make a big impact through small lessons.
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Listen in as we talk about:
02:13 What is microlearning?
04:35 Why should you care about microlearning?
09:40 Microlearning in different settings and contexts
13:21 When should you use microlearning (and when not to)
14:35 Microlearning strategies
19:13 How to apply microlearning effectively
22:01 Microlearning reflection questions
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WHAT IS MICROLEARNING?
"Small wins are incredibly motivating because they create a sense of progress and accomplishment, even when the end goal feels far away."
Microlearning is about delivering information in small, focused chunks. Think of it like eating an elephant - one bite at a time. Whether it’s a short video, an Instagram carousel, or a single slide in a training session, microlearning breaks complex topics into digestible pieces that are less overwhelming and more impactful. Breaking learning into small, manageable steps makes it easier to absorb and apply new knowledge.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT MICROLEARNING?
Microlearning fits seamlessly into our digital world, making it accessible anytime, anywhere. It boosts retention by focusing on one concept at a time and sparks curiosity by giving learners just enough to keep them coming back for more. Studies show it can improve knowledge retention by up to 80% and increase engagement by 50% in business contexts. Microlearning is an effective way to meet learners where they are while keeping them engaged and motivated.
MICROLEARNING IN DIFFERENT SETTINGS AND CONTEXTS
Microlearning blurs the lines between formal and informal learning, supports self-directed learning, and makes it possible to learn on the go. It’s a perfect fit for today’s busy world, allowing learners to fit education into their schedules and retain knowledge better by focusing on key points. Microlearning empowers learners to take control of their education and thrive in diverse settings.
WHEN TO USE MICROLEARNING (AND WHEN NOT TO)
Microlearning is ideal for teaching clear, simple ideas, sparking curiosity, or reinforcing larger lessons. However, it’s not the best approach for complex topics requiring deep understanding or hands-on practice. Use microlearning strategically to deliver focused, impactful lessons—but recognize when a more in-depth approach is needed.
MICROLEARNING STRATEGIES
Try these six microlearning strategies:
Question-Answer: Pose a question and share a quick, clear answer to spark curiosity.
3-Steps: Break a task into three easy steps for simplicity and clarity.
Micro-Scenario: Use real-life situations to encourage decision-making.
1-Minute Knowledge Snack: Share quick, actionable tips learners can use immediately.
Interactive: Involve learners through polls, quizzes, or discussions.
Quick Challenge: Give a task learners can complete right away to apply their knowledge.
Microlearning strategies are versatile and can be tailored to fit any teaching or training context.
HOW TO APPLY MICROLEARNING EFFECTIVELY
Here are six tips to make microlearning work for you:
Focus on one idea at a time.