Unlock microlearning: 3 steps for success

Step 1: Help people to think differently about learning

When we think about learning, most of us picture someone hunched over for hours, fully focused on mastering a subject. It’s a common image: learning as a long, structured activity in a traditional classroom. However, to unlock the potential of microlearning, we need to rethink this outdated view. Learning doesn’t have to be ‘all or nothing’. Progress can happen through small, consistent steps.

Tips to change the mindset

So, how do we shift this thinking? It starts with education, experience, and leadership. Begin by showing people how effective microlearning can be — short, focused lessons that easily fit into daily routines. Don’t just explain it; demonstrate it. Use role models who apply this approach successfully to prove that small, steady efforts can lead to big results.

Start with a top-down strategy

Start with a top-down strategy. Hold a session with your leadership team to gain their support. Once they’re on board, they can encourage their teams to adopt microlearning and make it part of their daily workflow. For example, dedicate the first 10 minutes of each workday to learning. After that, transition to regular tasks as usual.

Stick with this approach, and you’ll see a shift. People will adapt and appreciate how simple and effective microlearning can be. Over time, these small, daily efforts will lead to significant growth and a more informed, engaged team. And remember: lead by example. Always.

Step 2: Know your audience

Microlearning is a great idea, but that doesn’t mean your team will automatically support it. You’ll need to show them how it fits into their work and benefits their daily routines to get their support. Start by understanding their challenges and how they spend their time. What are their pain points? Where could microlearning help the most? Once you know their needs, you can start planning to integrate it seamlessly.

When you understand your team’s routines and needs, you can introduce microlearning in a way that feels natural and easy to adopt

Tips on how to gather insights

Start by having casual conversations with your team. Chat over coffee and ask a few simple questions. If you want something more structured, you could send a quick survey, ask team members to track their day, or host a short focus group. It doesn’t need to be complicated! 😊

The key is to keep it small and approachable. When you understand your team’s routines and needs, you can introduce microlearning in a way that feels natural and easy to adopt.

Step 3: Assess your current training material

Think creating a microlearning module is easy? Just chop up your existing training material into 10-minute chunks, right? Wrong! Microlearning requires more than that. Your old materials were designed with different goals, so trying to reuse them doesn’t work. It’s like turning a full-length movie into an eight-episode series — the pacing is off, the impact is lost, and it just doesn’t feel right.

Be bold — cut out anything unnecessary

To do it right, you need to start fresh. Take a hard look at your current materials. Ask yourself: what’s truly essential? Be bold — cut out anything unnecessary, even if it means scrapping an entire course.

Does that sound like a lot of work? It is. But trust us, it’s worth it. The effort you put into refining and rethinking your content will pay off with more engaged learners, better results, and improved efficiency.

Tips for creating new training material

Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Follow these tips to create effective microlearning:

• Define clear learning goals. Focus on what learners truly need to know.
• Keep it short and focused. Break content into 5 to 10-minute segments covering one key idea or skill.
• Simplify ruthlessly. Remove anything that doesn’t directly support your goals.
• Mix up the formats. Use videos, quizzes, text, and more to keep learners engaged.
• Make it accessible. Structure each module clearly and ensure it works on any device for learning on the go.
• Add real-life examples. Use scenarios learners can relate to so they can apply their knowledge immediately.

With these steps, you’ll create microlearning that’s effective, engaging, and easy-to-use.

Scale your training with microlearning – powered by Easy LMS

Looking to scale your training while maintaining quality and cutting down on admin work? Microlearning is the answer, and Easy LMS makes it effortless. Create short, engaging learning modules that are easy to digest and perfect for on-the-go learning.

Organize your content in one place and repurpose it across teams or customers, all while delivering personalized, branded learning experiences. With Easy LMS, scaling your training has never been easier.

Ready to simplify and succeed? Set up your Easy LMS account today and start delivering high-quality, microlearning-based training!

Useful resource

• The ultimate guide to microlearning

Frequently Asked Questions