Microdefinition: Microlearning is a short and small chunks of information used to meet a specific learning outcome
The microlearning methodology comes from the corporate world, and started going mainstream in 2000s. Organizations has recognized it´s potential for improving knowledge retention and engagement rates in corporate training programs. It responds to the common needs of today’s learners, who have attention span shorter than ever, need an easy to find and relevant content, provided in consistent and attractive to consume way.
Key aspects of microlearning:
- Happens mainly online
- Adapted to contemporary learners and their expectations
- Self-paced and easily accessible anytime
- Designed to meet a specific learning outcome or objective
- Short – the duration is not clearly defined and depends on the learning objective, but typically Microlearning content takes the learner 1-10 minutes to consume
- Designed to prevent cognitive overload
- Optimized for mobile devices to cater to on-the-go learning.
- Highly Visual and Simplified
One of the key aspects of the methodology is the consumption of the content, which place it in between informal and formal or non-formal education. Learning provider creates the content with specific objective and clear learning outcome, what is the characteristic of formal and non-formal education. On the other end, content can be consumed randomly, and learning can be ¨accidental¨, what characterize informal learning.
Examples of microlearning:
- Short videos
- Infographics and illustrations
- Questionnaires
- Interactive tutorials
- Interactive resources
- Online mini-courses
- Gamification activities
- Checklists
- Podcasts
- Action-led microlearning (This microlearning example encourages learners to be reflective and actively engage with the content by putting their own plan together for developing their skills instead of passively absorbing information.)
- Quizzes and games
Why microlearning in youth work?
1. To be where young people are
Young people spend a significant portion of their time on social media platforms and using mobile devices. Microlearning allows youth workers to meet them in their digital spaces, leveraging platforms like instagram, tiktok, or youtube to deliver educational content effectively.
2. To adapt to modern learning needs
Modern learners prefer bite-sized, engaging content that fits into their fast-paced lives. Microlearning aligns with this preference by providing short, impactful lessons that are easy to consume and retain, making education relevant to today’s youth.
3. To make learning accessible and flexible
Microlearning content is mobile-friendly and accessible anytime, anywhere. This flexibility ensures that young people can engage with educational material at their convenience, breaking barriers like location, time, or device limitations.
4. To create interest and awareness
Often, young people don’t realize they lack knowledge or skills in certain areas—this is known as unconscious incompetence, the first stage of the four stages of competence model. To start developing a competence, awareness must first be raised. For example, a young person cannot develop the ability to participate in a learning mobility program if they don’t know such opportunities exist. Microlearning is an effective tool for raising awareness, especially about social issues and topics like body liberation.
5. To make learning more efficient
Microlearning prevents cognitive overload by focusing on one concept or skill at a time. This structured approach makes learning more efficient, helping young people retain information better and apply it in real-life contexts.
6. Compatible with learning mobility
Youth work often involves mobility, such as exchange programs, workshops, or outreach activities. Microlearning supports this by offering portable and adaptable content that young people can access on the go, ensuring continuity in their learning experience.
As you look through all the helpful stuff on bodyliberation.eu, think about how these small pieces of information can help you do more in your work with young people. Check out our collections of pictures and short videos that can start important talks about unfair treatment because of weight and how different bodies are.
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This article was created within an Erasmus+ funded project Microlearning for Body Liberation, contract No. 2024-1-LV02-KA210-YOU-000247374. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or The Agency For International Programs For Youth in Latvia (JSPA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
