Microlearning – a smarter way to learn in today’s busy world

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information you need to learn in a limited time? Maybe you’ve started a course or training, only to find yourself struggling to focus or keep up. This is where microlearning comes in.

Microlearning is an innovative, research-backed learning approach designed for the modern age, and it’s gaining popularity among busy professionals and lifelong learners alike. But what exactly is microlearning, how does it work, and why is it so effective?

What is microlearning, and how does it work?

Microlearning breaks down complex subjects into smaller, digestible chunks of information. These “micro” lessons typically take no more than 10–20 minutes to complete and are delivered in a variety of formats such as short videos, infographics, quizzes, or quick articles. It’s a sharp contrast to traditional, hour-long lectures or bulky textbooks, making it easier for learners to absorb knowledge without feeling overloaded.

Why is this effective? 

Studies show that the human brain retains information better when it’s presented in small, focused bursts. According to research published on ResearchGate, learning in smaller segments can improve information retention by up to 17% compared to traditional methods. (Source: The Effectiveness of Microlearning in Online Environments)

Additionally, microlearning fits seamlessly into the lives of busy individuals—it can be done during a coffee break, a daily commute, or even while waiting for a meeting to start. Microlearning also leverages cognitive science principles like spaced repetition, which ensures learners revisit key concepts over time for better long-term memory retention. 

From a retention perspective, an article from EDU Effective notes that we forget up to 50% of newly learned information within 24 hours and 90% within a week if the knowledge is not reinforced. This phenomenon, known as the forgetting curve, poses a major challenge for learners. Microlearning directly combats this by providing small, targeted lessons that allow learners to reinforce key information frequently and in manageable doses. When paired with tools like quizzes, scenarios, and practical exercises, microlearning ensures the knowledge “sticks.” (Source: Edu Effective: Microlearning in Management Education)

Microlearning solves problems of busy professionals

Managers, executives, and business owners must keep their knowledge sharp without sacrificing their already-packed schedules. And keeping up with industry trends, and prepping for leadership roles is not easy. That’s why the flexibility of microlearning is so appealing.

For example, a LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report revealed that 49% of employees prefer to learn at the point of need, meaning they value learning resources that are quick, accessible, and immediately applicable. (Source: LinkedIn Learning Workplace Learning Report 2023)

Microlearning is also highly effective in improving performance and productivity in the workplace. A study by IBM found that employees trained using microlearning techniques demonstrated 22% higher productivity and required 50% less time to achieve the same learning outcomes compared to traditional training methods. (Source: IBM Smarter Workforce Institute via Training Industry)

Here’s a big advantage of microlearning

Retention of information improves dramatically with smaller, focused lessons reinforced over time. Their article explains that breaking learning into smaller sections reduces cognitive overload, enabling learners to recall up to 60% of the content weeks later, especially when combined with engaging methods like gamification and real-world application.

For businesses, this has made microlearning a preferred method for corporate training. EDU Effective reports that 73% of organizations are integrating microlearning into their training programs, citing its cost-effectiveness, higher retention rates, and employee satisfaction.

Microlearning at LIGS University

At LIGS University, we’ve taken the core principles of microlearning and tailored them to meet the needs of busy professionals pursuing doctoral degrees such as DBA and Ph.D. programs. We understand that most of our students are managing careers, families, and other responsibilities alongside their studies.

That’s why our curriculum incorporates microlearning strategies to make education more accessible, flexible, and effective. Our online programs are built on modular content delivery. Instead of long, monotonous lectures, we offer 15-minute video lessons, concise case studies, and interactive assignments that focus on one key concept at a time.

Students can engage with this content on their own schedule—whether it’s during a lunch break or after putting the kids to bed. And appreciate the ability to revisit modules whenever needed, a feature that ensures concepts are fully understood before moving forward.

Study Ph.D. or DBA at LIGS University, 15 minutes a day.

LIGS University offers its prospective students seven DBA and Ph.D. specializations and additionally two MBA specializations. Choose from AI, Human resources, Finance, Marketing, and more. 

Microlearning is changing the way higher education works, and we’re here for it. We’re proud to integrate this approach into our programs to better serve professionals who value flexibility, efficiency, and high-quality education.

Want to see microlearning in action? Explore our online doctoral programs and see how our bite-sized lessons can fit into your life. Visit LIGS University for more details!

Notes on sources

1. ResearchGate: “The Effectiveness of Microlearning in Online Environments”
2. SH!FT eLearning Blog: “The Science Behind Microlearning”
3. LinkedIn Learning Workplace Learning Report 2023: “LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report”
4. IBM Smarter Workforce Institute (via Training Industry): “Corporate Training Trends”
5. Edu Effective: “Microlearning in Management Education”