Learning is vital to growth, especially in today’s fast-paced world, where everyone competes to achieve their dreams. It is noteworthy that learning can get tricky when you must balance working your shift and progressing in your learning module. At the same time, an unplanned approach to education can lead to feeling unmotivated to pursue the course or, worse, dropping off the course.
To prevent this from happening, microlearning strategies are often implemented to break down a large bulk of learning modules and materials into smaller, easy-to-consume modules. This way, the learner can complete each module at their own pace and feel a sense of accomplishment at the same time.
It is worth noting that employees will forget nearly 90% of what they learned in just seven days without revisions and reinforcement. Microlearning modules are designed to be brief but are mostly concerned with the impact on learners. Each concept is explained in detail, with examples if needed, to make remembering information easier.
These modules are designed to be bite-sized to allow learners to learn from anywhere, anytime they want. Today, we will discuss seven effective micro-learning strategies directed toward growth.
Growth-Oriented Microlearning Strategies That Are Highly Efficient
- Creating engaging and impactful learning pathways: Microlearning becomes effective when tailored to learning styles and needs. A common understanding of the learner’s strengths, weaknesses, and preferences helps create a learning pathway that improves a robust learning management system. This can help develop modules, assignments, and tests that make learning fun and easy to understand.
It is critical to understand that these modules are part of the professional learning experience and must be directed toward helping learners improve their knowledge and skills. Creating a series of microlearning modules that progressively challenge and build on existing knowledge is pivotal. - Media-rich learning content: Microlearning imparts maximum impact with minimal learning effort. The course materials are designed to keep learners engaged. While concepts and theories are explained by taking everyday examples, media like charts, videos, tables, diagrams, and graphs are added to break the pattern of constantly reading through the text. It also triggers visual memory, making it possible for learners to remember information conveyed through media for longer. Another benefit is that it makes the learning content seem less intimidating.
- Creating a roadmap: A broad spectrum roadmap helps define touchpoints where learners may struggle. Through adequate mapping techniques, modules can be customized to prevent learners from dropping off.
As microlearning is fairly new, it is crucial to keep an open mind to possible changes it can implement in existing learning modules. Plenty of experiments and assessments can be required to create a module covering every aspect of training without missing a beat.
Learners must experience intent-rich micro-moments that help them shape their preferences and perceptions. Media-rich content, videos, and PDFs are popular as they promote intentional learning.
Creating a strong course outline that covers every related aspect of the subject in detail is always advised. When not appropriately planned, microlearning modules may deviate from the original topic due to information fragmentation.
Evaluating course content thoroughly can determine the clarity and accuracy of the modules that have been created. Quality assurance of content, smoothness in the delivery of course content, and fixing any glitches found before the launch will make learning hassle-free and a breeze.
- Create a pragmatic learning curve to track progress: Dividing learning milestones into smaller success episodes is important to create practical learning goals to achieve. This further helps employees and managers monitor the progress of the course.
It forms the basis for understanding the skills an employee has learned and their ability to grasp the technical aspects of the course. Furthermore, tracking helps managers gauge employees’ agility and ability to take on projects. - Time the delivery: When buying a new book to read, we often check how many pages there are before we reach the last page. A similar case happens when learning materials are shared with employees all at once. It can get overwhelming, stressful, and frustrating.
To prevent this from happening, sharing course material by module is advised. So that when employees complete one module, they feel accomplished and motivated before starting the next module.
Creating a content calendar can help in such a case by allowing for timed and segmented release of learning materials. - Make content mobile-friendly: Smartphones have become a staple these days. They are versatile and can host a wide range of functions with ease. It makes sense to curate learning material that can be assessed through smartphones.
Using an app to release learning content brings incredible accessibility to employees. Moreover, a content library ensures the personalized delivery of learning materials.
These personalizations come from individual competency levels, assessment scores, learning agility, previous attempted and completed modules, etc. This also reflects one’s learning patterns, enabling better learning of skills. - Add the essence of victory: Gamification makes the module more engaging and involving. A sense of victory encourages learners to take on more modules. While a subtle nudge in case the learner can’t clear the learning module is helpful, adding a leaderboard and badges creates a fun learning experience. This results in a higher engagement rate and a 100% module completion success rate.
Parting words
Microlearning strategies enable training employees using highly engaging and carefully planned learning modules. While these modules aim to develop skills, reinforce existing knowledge, and assess employees, it is important to curate these materials with care, consideration, and an open mind for feedback.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that, with smartphones becoming more popular, using a content library app will smooth the rollout of modules that learners can access from anywhere.
Furthermore, these modules can be updated to match the industry’s quality standards and skill demands. Microlearning modules are a great way to touch base while keeping your employees engaged and motivated to do their best.