In any industry, staying up to date with the latest knowledge and skills is crucial for success. That means identifying issues with current procedures, looking at the research behind why it’s no longer effective, and exploring new ways of doing things based on the science. It’s no different when it comes to the ways that we learn and absorb information.
Traditional methods of learning have their merits, but a new approach has emerged that is proving to be superior in terms of efficacy: microlearning. In this week’s article, we explore how microlearning surpasses traditional methods by offering improved retention rates, ease of consumption, and how it is becoming the cornerstone of employee training in the world of the deskless workforce.
Improved Retention Rates
Microlearning involves delivering content in small, bite-sized chunks. Studies have consistently shown that shorter, targeted learning sessions lead to better retention rates compared to longer, more traditional methods. When information is presented in easily digestible portions, learners are less likely to become overwhelmed, enabling them to retain and recall information more effectively.
Ever heard of the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve? Named after renowned psychologist Herman Ebbinghaus, the forgetting curve found that within a mere 20 minutes after being taught a lesson, students forgot 50% of the new content. After another 9 hours, an additional 10% is forgotten, and after a month, students had forgotten more than 75% of what they’d learned. You can see the issue when it comes to training effectively.
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According to a research study conducted by the University of California, microlearning can lead to a 22% increase in information retention when compared to conventional classroom-based training. This improved retention is a game-changer in industries like senior living, hospitality, and healthcare, where accurate and timely knowledge can impact the quality of care and service provided to guests, residents, and patients alike.
Additionally, offering blended learning, such as integrating video messages with quiz questions and interactive skill checks, offers several advantages. It caters to diverse learning styles by providing visual and interactive elements. Learners can pace themselves and revisit content, promoting self-directed learning. The immediate feedback from quizzes enhances retention and understanding. This method fosters engagement and interactivity while accommodating various schedules, making it a versatile and effective approach to education.
Ease of Consumption
The potential of microlearning lies within its capacity to tackle two significant obstacles: the diminishing spans of attention and the evolving requirements for skills. By offering content in easily digestible, bite-sized modules, microlearning effectively captures and maintains the focus of learners. The adaptability of this learning approach allows busy adults to gain fresh knowledge and skills in a manner that aligns with their lifestyle, attention thresholds, and changing needs.
According to the Future of Jobs Report published by the World Economic Forum, approximately 50% of the workforce will need to undergo reskilling by the year 2025. Through its capability to swiftly provide pertinent information in compact formats, microlearning empowers individuals to stay current with emerging trends. This positions them to effectively adjust to shifting job prerequisites and the demands of various industries.
One of the significant advantages of microlearning is its accessibility and flexibility. Employees within these industries often have demanding schedules, making it challenging to dedicate long periods to training. Microlearning solves this problem by offering short, focused modules that can be easily integrated into busy workdays.
Moreover, microlearning materials are often available in various blended formats, such as videos, interactive quizzes, and infographics. This diversity accommodates different learning styles, ensuring that each employee can engage with the content in a way that resonates with them personally. As a result, employees are more likely to embrace learning and proactively seek out new knowledge, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Performance Improvement
The effectiveness of microlearning is not only demonstrated in knowledge retention but also in real-world performance improvement. When employees can access targeted training precisely when they need it, they are better equipped to handle on-the-job challenges and make informed decisions.
A study conducted by the American Society of Training and Development revealed that companies utilizing microlearning saw a 17% improvement in job performance. The ability to access relevant training materials at the point of need empowers employees to bridge knowledge gaps immediately, resulting in a more skilled and confident workforce.
Adaptability to Industry-Specific Needs
The senior living, hospitality, and healthcare industries are continuously evolving, with new protocols, technologies, and best practices emerging regularly. Microlearning's modular nature makes it the ideal solution for addressing these rapidly changing needs. Content can be updated, replaced, or added seamlessly, ensuring that employees receive the most up-to-date information.
Furthermore, micro-training allows organizations to address industry-specific challenges effectively. Whether it's teaching the latest food preparation advancements or delivering personalized customer experiences, microlearning enables organizations to cater to specific learning needs, ensuring a more targeted and efficient training process.
Final Thought
As industries continue to look for ways to adapt to the demands of the modern world, the way that we look at employee training must also evolve. Microlearning has emerged as a superior method of learning when compared to traditional approaches, offering improved retention rates, ease of consumption, and enhanced performance. By embracing microlearning and micro-training, organizations in these industries can equip their workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional service, ensuring both employee and customer satisfaction in an ever-changing landscape.
Want to see microlearning in action? Drop us a line and we’ll show you just how proficient your organization’s staff can be!
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