The aim of this article is to explore the importance of micro-learning in the quest for professional development and building career capital [1].
For the purpose of this article, the term ‘micro-learning’ refers to a period of deep engagement into a topic for 8 to 12 minutes, that is repeated at regular intervals, with specifically designed ‘spaced repetition’ to reinforce the key principles.
Adult learners and their lives and lifestyles are very different from younger learners. Adult learners’ motivations toward learning and development also differ to those that are at school, college or university.
Adults are hard-pressed for time and therefore adults require their learning and development to fit around the time they may have available.
Adults have certain expectations; they expect value and worth for the time they set aside for their learning and development, expecting it to be planned, structured and delivered in a way that respects their adult status and personal situation.
Adults are motivated to learn when:
- They have autonomy (self-governance) to be able to decide when the time is right and convenient for them, i.e. they are in the right state of mind
- They feel safe
- They are actively involved and engaged in the learning (learning is all about DOING not VIEWING!)
- The learning has a clear direction, it builds gradually, progressively and has ongoing reviews that challenge them, as well as building both confidence and competence
Learning is a lifelong commitment and when we apply all that we know about adult learning specifically around expectations, motivations and lifestyle, it is clear micro-learning is a fantastic tool for adult learning.
Chris Rock
There are key guiding and supportive principles embedded into the microlearning that builds both confidence and competence and this provides certain benefits:
- Micro-learning has been proven to have better engagement levels, than traditional approaches to learning
- Micro-learning has been proven to support improved retention of information around key principles
- Micro-learning has been proven in the transference of ‘on-the-job’ concepts into workplace practice
Being successful in today’s workplace is about understanding the key principles and concepts that may affect the specific offering. Once understood they can be manipulated to ensure that the service or experience is as positive and unique as possible for the learner, adding value and worth.
teachM is an approach to micro-learning that takes into account all the underpinning principles of micro-learning and respects the adult learner’s status as well as their specific individual learning wants and needs.
teachM is a unique digital approach to adult learning that creates a safe and effective learning routine, via 10 to 12 minutes of unique digital content and delivery building both confidence and competence in the learner.
The guided learning approach that is unique to teachM ensures that there is continual spaced progressive repetition that guides the learner towards a deeper understanding around the principles and concepts of a subject, thus ensuring the application of new information in the workplace.
(1) A term used by C. Newport in this book-so good they can’t ignore you, that highlights the importance of being ‘rare and unique’ in today workplace
