Your Guide to Micro-Learning for Improved Training Results
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Your Guide to Micro-Learning for Improved Training Results

Coaching Skills - E-Learning

Research has shown us that learning retention rates vary between individuals but can be as low as 20% just 30 days after training. For a firm that has paid for a training course for its employees in order to improve production, increase cybersecurity or promote cultural awareness, these figures don’t give much motivation for encouraging learning within the workplace.

However, there are numerous strategies which have been shown to increase the retention rates in learners and micro-learning is one of these.

The following guide will explain micro-learning, showing what it is, how it is achieved, and how it can improve retention rates.

 

What is Micro-Learning?

Micro-learning is a term that describes training content offered in small, manageable, highly-focused bursts, in order to reinforce learning and increase retention rates.

Micro-learning relates to not only the structure and scale of the course (generally shorter, bite-size modules), but also the consumption of a course, which is completed in stages by learners as opposed to all in one sitting.

Micro-learning courses may use a variety of content, such as, video or written text, and can be delivered in multiple ways including e-learning, classroom based, or video presentations.

Selecting the right type of micro-learning course and content for your employees is best completed by discussing various options for bespoke, or on-demand courses, with your selected training provider.

 

Examples of Micro-Learning Content

Micro-learning can cover a vast range content with unique learning objectives. They may be used on their own but often work better when used in conjunction with other training course as they be used to reinforce learning and underpin certain objectives.

The following are examples of micro-learning content that can be used for training courses:

• Presentations – these may be work-based such as, lunch-time training slots, or can be viewed online in the learner’s own time.

• Interactive videos – these may be used to reinforce learning and check level of engagement.

• Short videos – can be used in the workplace or during employees own time as required, and may take the form of an e-learning course or in-house training.

• Info-graphic – the use of imagery and minimal text combines to make an informative, memorable educational tool that gives an accessible, easy-to-follow overview on a given subject.

As you would imagine, the above examples are offered in short bursts, and can take as little as 5 minutes to complete. The retention value is increased when learners are stimulated, engaged and focussed, and the repetition of certain elements (such as, images and key words) reinforces points and objectives.

Selecting the right type of content and delivery for your employees will come down to factors such as, cost, time, availability and personal preference.

Discuss possible options with a professional training course provider if you aren’t sure which best suits your needs.

 

How Micro-Learning is Used in Training Courses

As an illustration of how micro-learning can be used on training courses, the following breakdown of a course offered by Creative Word Training, will highlight the elements of micro-learning:

Coaching Skills – E-Learning Course – duration 18 minutes (in itself a form of micro-learning)

Composed of the following sections and elements:

• The difference between learner and coach centred behaviours

• How to help learners work out their own solutions

• New tips on coaching skills that would take your team to next level

The three elements complement the others, while also standing alone as learning in their own right, and lead to learning outcomes such as, the required skills to give positive feedback and how to become a great coach.

Some courses may also have an exam at the end which can show the extent of abilities and knowledge gained.

 

The Benefits of Micro-Learning

Micro-learning can benefit your learners and your business in the following ways.

• Speed of Training – faster training means less time spent away from work for employees

• Higher Learner Engagement – engaged learners means improved retention rates

• Improved Knowledge – increased retention rates and repetition (in small doses) means that learners will improve their knowledge in work-related topics which give your business more talent and skill

• Mobile Availability – E-leaning, online videos, or internet-based presentations can be accessed from anywhere in the world giving a far greater choice for training courses than was previously available.

 

Remember, while micro-learning is a fantastic way to encourage new skills, keep costs low, improve retention rates and maintain key concepts within your workforce, it isn’t suitable for everyone, or for every topic.

For example, if you have an in-depth, detailed topic such as, finance, GDPR, legal or some IT courses where there are multiple concepts with lots of background information, then micro-learning wouldn’t be the best way to deliver this information.

However, it could still be used to “top-up” learning or reinforce information at a later date.

 

If you would like more information regarding micro-learning options available through us, or our training courses in general, please contact our experts at Creative Word Training here.