English 
Vietnamese Microlearning—the bite-sized approach to education—is impacting how professionals acquire new skills and knowledge in today's fast-paced work environment. With its focus on delivering concise, targeted content, microlearning aligns perfectly with the growing demand for flexible, on-demand learning opportunities.
So, what is microlearning? And why is it shaping the future of personal development?
Read more: Employee Training & Development - Did You Do It Right?
Contents
- What is microlearning?
- Microlearning vs. traditional learning methods
- Types of microlearning content
- The rise of on-demand development among employees
- The science behind microlearning's effectiveness
What is microlearning?
Microlearning is an educational approach that delivers brief, focused content to learners. This method breaks down complex topics into bite-sized modules that can be quickly consumed and easily digested.
Typically, microlearning sessions last between three to ten minutes1, making them ideal for modern learners with limited time and attention spans.
The key characteristics of microlearning include:
- Brevity: Content is concise and to the point, focusing on essential information
- Accessibility: Learners can access modules on-demand/ anytime, anywhere, and often through mobile devices
- Flexibility: Users can learn at their own pace and schedule
- Targeted learning objectives: Each module addresses one or two specific learning goals
Microlearning vs. traditional learning methods
Microlearning differs significantly from traditional learning approaches in several ways:
- Duration: Traditional courses typically span hours or days. On the other hand, microlearning modules can be completed in minutes.
- Flexibility: Microlearning offers superior flexibility, allowing learners to learn at their own pace and schedule, unlike the fixed timelines of traditional classroom lectures.
- Customisation: Microlearning can be tailored to individual needs and preferences, whereas traditional learning often follows a uniform approach.
- Cost-effectiveness: Microlearning is generally less expensive to produce and deliver compared to traditional training methods2.
Read more: A Beginner's Guide to SunSystems Cloud Training for End-Users
Types of microlearning content
Microlearning can encompass various formats, including:
- Videos: Short, focused instructional videos
- Infographics: Visual representations of key information
- Podcasts: Brief audio lessons on specific topics
- Interactive quizzes: Quick assessments to reinforce learning
- Simulations: Short, scenario-based learning experiences
- Mobile apps: Learn on-the-go with smartphone applications
These diverse formats cater to different learning styles and preferences, making microlearning a versatile tool for on-demand personal development and continuous learning.
Read more: A Dilemma in Leadership Development: Performance vs. Potential
Leveraging multimedia and technology helps enhance engagement and knowledge retention, making microlearning an increasingly popular choice for personal and professional development in today's fast-paced world.
The rise of on-demand development among employees
Changing workplace dynamics
The workplace dynamics have undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by technological advancements and shifting employee expectations. As the "Age of the Employee" emerges (a shift in the workplace where employees have more power and influence than ever before), companies are recognising the need to adapt to the preferences of a new generation of workers.
The rapid pace of technological change has created a pressing need for continuous learning. As industries evolve and new skills become necessary, employees must constantly update their knowledge and capabilities to remain relevant and competitive. This shift has led to a growing emphasis on professional development and upskilling initiatives within organisations.
Continuous learning has become a critical factor in attracting and retaining top talent. A recent survey found that 66% of workers ages 18-24 rank learning new skills as the third-most important perk when evaluating new job opportunities3. This statistic underscores the value that younger generations place on ongoing education and skill development.
Read more: The Best Kept Secrets to Developing Leaders at All Levels
Technology-driven learning solutions
To address the increasing demand for continuous learning, organisations are turning to technology-driven solutions.
Microlearning aligns well with the needs of modern professionals who often have tight schedules. The integration of technology in learning has also led to the rise of web and mobile applications as key platforms for personal and professional development.
Key statistics to consider:
- Internet users spent six hours and 35 minutes online daily4
- The average person spends 4 hours and 37 minutes on their phone daily, which is equivalent to over 1 day per week or 6 days per month5
These numbers present endless opportunities for education institutes and providers to deliver learning content through easily accessible and engaging platforms and apps.
The science behind microlearning's effectiveness
Cognitive load theory
Microlearning aligns closely with cognitive load theory, which suggests that human cognitive capacity is limited and plays a crucial role in how learners absorb and retain new information.
Cognitive load can be divided into three categories:
- Intrinsic cognitive load: associated with the complexity of the topic itself
- Extraneous cognitive load: refers to the way information is presented
- Germane cognitive load: the effort put into creating permanent knowledge schemas
By breaking down complex subjects into concise, digestible segments, microlearning helps manage cognitive load effectively.
This approach ensures that the total cognitive load does not exceed what learners can accept, reducing extraneous cognitive load and increasing germane cognitive load.
Read more: Fundamentals of Job Fit Theory
Spaced repetition and retention
Microlearning leverages the power of spaced repetition to enhance knowledge retention. This technique involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time, which helps combat the forgetting curve identified by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus.
According to this theory, people forget 50% of new information within the first hour, and another 10% in the next 9 hours. Eventually, only 24% is retained in 31 days if no revision or repeat6.
Learning in bite-sized reinforces the learner’s understanding and helps transfer information from short-term to long-term memory. This approach has been shown to improve retention rates significantly. In fact, studies have revealed that microlearning can boost retention rates anywhere from 25% to 60%7.
Engagement and motivational factors
Microlearning's effectiveness is also attributed to its ability to engage learners and provide intrinsic motivation. Its short, focused nature aligns well with the modern learner's attention span and preferences.
Plus, the use of multimedia elements, such as videos, infographics, and interactive quizzes, cater to different learning styles and preferences, making the learning experience more enjoyable and effective.
Additionally, the immediate accessibility of microlearning content allows learners to engage with material when they need it most, promoting just-in-time learning and practical application of knowledge.
Read more: 3 Common Employee Development Challenges and How to Overcome Them
As the workplace continues to evolve, microlearning is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of personal and professional development. Its ability to deliver targeted, easily digestible content aligns perfectly with the growing demand for flexible, on-demand learning opportunities.
Is your organisation ready to embrace and foster this trend of continuous growth? Explore TRG Academy and our selection of on-demand, industry-specific courses to discover how they can enhance your team's skills.
References
1. https://www.td.org/talent-development-glossary-terms/what-is-microlearning
2. https://www.learntowin.com/blog/microlearning-vs-traditional-learning
3. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/all-things-work/how-learning-development-can-attract-and-retain-talent
4. https://explodingtopics.com/blog/smartphone-usage-stats
5. https://explodingtopics.com/blog/smartphone-usage-stats
6. https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/2490889/E-books/How%20Microlearning%20Boosts%20Knowledge%20Retention%20by%20at%20least%2050%25.pdf
7. https://nikolaroza.com/microlearning-statistics-facts-and-trends/
