A Neurodiverse Perspective on Bite-sized Learning
As someone who is neurodiverse, I lean towards learning strategies that echo how my mind processes and retains information. Microlearning stands out as my favorite!
Microlearning delivers information in small, manageable chunks, focusing primarily on one learning outcome or objective at a time which I find this particularly appealing. I also appreciate the efficiency of Microlearning modules—they can often be completed in just 5 to 15 minutes, fitting seamlessly into my busy schedule!
Another aspect of Microlearning that I love is its adaptability and immediate applicability. Learners can swiftly acquire a new skill or piece of knowledge and apply it right away. Due to its focused nature, Microlearning fosters better information retention. Implementing what I've learned promptly reinforce the knowledge, embedding it deeper into my memory—an especially advantageous aspect in my professional roles where swift application and knowledge sharing are crucial.
The short format of Microlearning also suits learners like myself who need frequent breaks or prefer varying learning contexts. It significantly minimizes the cognitive load, breaking down complex information into smaller, more manageable units—a feature that syncs with my information processing preferences, thereby making the learning experience comfortable and enjoyable.
Why Microlearnings are Effective
Contrary to popular belief, the average adult's attention span is not simply 8 seconds—it's much more complex and contextually dependent. Factors such as the individual's interest in the subject, emotional state, environment, and even time of day can influence attention spans greatly. Moreover, attention spans vary from person to person and differ based on the type of task at hand. However, it's undeniable that focusing on a single task for long periods can be challenging.
Cognitive Load Theory suggests that our working memory can only handle limited information at once, hence short, focused lessons align well with this neurodiversity, targeting specific brain functions to optimize engagement and retention. Utilizing chunking in Microlearning strategies capitalizes on this by organizing information into digestible units, simplifying the processing, understanding, and application.
Learnings that “Stick”
Microlearning has found a thriving home in social media platforms. LinkedIn articles and YouTube's brief videos are prime examples of this bite-sized learning approach. LinkedIn articles are often crisp, targeted addresses of specific issues or topics relevant to professionals. Conversely, YouTube videos offer the advantage of combined visual and auditory elements, making them engaging and easier to recall. Both platforms share a "sticky" factor, their simplicity, unexpectedness, and concreteness making the provided information memorable.