Give the Brain a Break: Microlearning to the Rescue

Find out how microlearning makes it easier for our brains to absorb and retain information

By Lauren Scott and Jessica Heffner

We’ve all been there.

You’re in the middle of a crazy week, stressed to the max, and trying to keep up with deadlines. A new business process framework has been introduced and you’re sitting through a mandatory hour-long meeting in which every detail of the new framework is being covered. You’re about 40 slides in and wondering, “What’s in this for me?”

You’re frustrated and start multi-tasking because you need to get certain things out before the end of the day. How much are you really absorbing now anyway? You think, “Can I get the CliffsNotes version of this? Just give me the highlights and let me get on my way.”

Microlearning to the rescue!

Microlearning delivers short bursts of content specific to a particular topic or task, typically taking less than 10 minutes to complete. The learner receives only what they need for that skill, and often just in time for when they will use it. If additional content is needed, it’s delivered just prior to the next skill or step in the process.

At Slalom, one of our core values is focusing on outcomes. Microlearning supports this core value by helping us get clear on our desired outcomes — and those of our clients — and then delivering information in an easily digestible way that supports those specific goals.

In our previous example, the hour-long narration through a giant slide deck could be transformed into any combination of these other methods:

• Three, five-minute videos, each released just prior to the next phase of the new framework implementation
• A one-page FAQ
• An eight-minute eLearning module
• An infographic
• A one-pager with directions, dates for completion, and links for additional resources
• A five-question game or quiz

I’m pretty sure we’d all happily pick any of those options to get out of the hour-long meeting, but neuroscience shows we’d actually learn more and retain information longer with these methods, too!

Here’s what microlearning does for our brains:

Reduces cognitive overload

When learning is short and sweet, it feels more doable. We’re less likely to feel overwhelmed or put it off. There’s no feeling of dread. We’re more likely to participate in the learning and stay engaged and motivated.

Provides a sense of accomplishment

When we accomplish even a small task, we experience pleasure and pride. “Look at me getting stuff done!” That good feeling is actually the result of dopamine being released in our brains.

According to Harvard Business Review, “Your brain releases dopamine when you achieve goals. And since dopamine improves attention, memory, and motivation, even achieving a small goal can result in a positive feedback loop that makes you more motivated to work harder going forward.”

That feeling of success makes people want to learn even more, resulting in increased completion of learning experiences.

Allows for brain breaks

Instead of learning everything about a topic or task all at once, learning is broken into multiple sessions that are often spaced out over time. Neuroscience shows that long-term recall is best when we learn information over multiple sessions to provide time for information to “sink in” or opportunities to apply the skill in between sessions versus trying to “cram” everything all at once. Our brains can only absorb so much at a time. It’s important that we give them a break in between.

Increases repetition

When we learn something new, a neural pathway is created in the brain. Every time we revisit the information, the neural pathway is strengthened. Microlearning makes it easy to go back and access the content again, strengthening neural pathways and aiding long-term retention of content.

So the next time you’re preparing your massive slide deck, save your participants the frustration and consider microlearning instead.

Slalom is a global consulting firm that helps people and organizations dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all. Learn more and reach out today.