We live in a time of sensory overload where we’re constantly being bombarded with information. And, unfortunately, students are also experiencing this same phenomenon while still trying to make sense of the world around them. How do we combat the associated brain drain and mental fatigue? We integrate microlearning into the classroom setting!
Defining Microlearning
The term “microlearning” refers to the intake of any highly focused, bite-sized educational content. At its core, microlearning is a way of delivering tidbits of important information that usually gives learners the ability to customize their own education and work at their own pace.
Although the term was officially coined in the 1960s by renowned scholar Hector Correa, the movement picked up speed first in the 1990s and then again in the 2010s with the growing popularity of the smartphone. Nowadays, we’re exposed to microlearning every day without even realizing it!
Benefits of Microlearning in the Classroom
From educational video clips to gamified quizzes and assessments, microlearning has tons of great applications for K-12 teachers. In fact, microlearning has been proven to help students with improved retention of information, increased engagement in classroom activities, more flexibility and control (which leads to a higher sense of self), and access to customized, differentiated learning pathways.
Integrating Microlearning into Your Lesson Plan
So, the question is then, “How can I integrate microlearning into my classroom and give my students the best shot at success?”
There are several ways to weave microlearning into your existing lesson plans! Here, we’ll provide some ideas for including microlearning strategies from warm-ups to homework and beyond.
Warm-Up Activities
Utilize microlearning strategies and classroom tech to bring warm-up activities to life!
- Create introductory videos that provide background information and relevant data. Use the video to spark interest, then end with a slide introducing the question or topic you’ll cover in class.
- Gamify your warm ups by utilizing a quiz application like Kahoot! or by creating bellringers for your specific subject and grade level.
Self-Study
Microlearning makes education available around the clock! Plan a mix of homework and study techniques to better your students’ engagement and keep them interested in the material.
- Encourage regular 5-minute study sessions to improve retention in an easy way. You can use an app like Flashcard Factory or Quizlet to keep students engaged.
- Find and introduce relevant podcasts. Sometimes, all it takes to get back on task is to hear a different voice discuss the topic for a few minutes. Some educational podcasters even provide snack-sized content for this very purpose!
Quick Assessments
It’s been proven in countless studies that continued exposure to material drastically improves retention. Make regular, short quizzes to drive home your lessons!
- Use AI to make a YouTube quiz for a quick, gamified way to check students’ progress and help them see the material another time. Plus, for those students with testing anxiety, a quick, gamified quiz may feel lower stakes than a more traditional assessment.
Tips and Tricks for Using Microlearning in the Classroom
When integrating these microlearning strategies into your lesson plan, it’s important to keep a few best practices in mind. Always remember to:
- Keep content specific and concise. Microlearning sessions should last no longer than 15 minutes and should only focus on one clearly defined topic.
- Use a variety of formats. Utilizing the same app or platform every day is likely to get old fast for both you and your students. Shake things up with videos, quizzes, podcasts, and more.
- Make sure your content is age-appropriate. Some external content, like podcasts or YouTube videos, may be geared toward different age groups or contain inappropriate material. Always vet your sources and watch the content yourself before sharing.
- Encourage active participation. If your students aren’t engaged with the material, they’re not going to retain it. If you’re having trouble getting students to focus, try incentivizing the material with small prizes or homework passes.
And, most importantly, have fun with it! If you’re having fun while creating lessons, your students are more likely to enjoy them, too.