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How Microlearning Builds a Growth Mindset

  • 3 Min Read

Learn how microlearning in the workplace can keep employees engaged and contribute to organizational growth.

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When you go to the gym and do short bursts of high-intensity physical activity interspersed with short rest periods, the goal is to achieve maximum results within a limited period of time. Microlearning is based on that same concept, only instead of building muscles for your body, you are exercising your brain to gain new knowledge and skills in an effective and efficient manner.

Instead of improving your athletic prowess, you are creating a positive learning experience to encourage and motivate people to continue learning new skills.

What Is Microlearning?

Microlearning is an educational strategy that focuses on providing smaller units of information, making it easier for people to absorb and understand the content. The most popular methods of delivery come in the form of short courses or interactive learning activities. These include a wide variety of digital content, such as video tutorials, podcasts or presentations, all of which are easily accessible.

What Is a Growth Mindset?

A growth mindset is the belief that one’s talents, skills, and knowledge can always be improved and further developed. According to leading psychologist Carol Dweck, people with this mentality “enjoy challenges, strive to learn and consistently see potential to develop new skills.”

Research proves that employees with a growth mindset are:

  • 34% likelier to feel a strong sense of ownership and commitment to the company
  • 49% likelier to express that the company fosters innovation

In today’s corporate environment, building a growth mindset is a top priority for many learning and development (L&D) teams, and they’re looking at microlearning as a solution to that challenge. There is a remarkable synergy between the two concepts, and together, they can result in a successful, enthusiastic, and productive workplace.

Microlearning avoids information overload

Since microlearning is based on the delivery of practical, bite-sized components in a short amount of time, it becomes easier to digest the learned material. Whereas sit-ups target abdominal muscles, microlearning harnesses the learner’s ability to focus and quickly gain a better understanding of a topic through smaller pieces of information. This method reduces the pressure that can come from having to absorb an overwhelming amount of data all at once. Skills can be learned and reinforced over time. Plus, individuals further develop their growth mindset through incremental accomplishments, which is a benefit to both the employee and the corporation.

Microlearning increases comprehension and recollection

Mini-modules of learner-centered and workplace-specific instruction are not only easier to take in and retain, but they also encourage and empower employees with practical context and application. The key is to include specific topics to guide and demonstrate relevance.

Just like muscle memory can make a physical movement second nature, practical application can help employees retain new skills. The ability to recall and use new knowledge will become more of a positive reinforcement. It makes workplace training less of a daunting challenge and more of an activity that corporate learners embrace, further developing that growth mindset.

Microlearning strengthens motivation and performance

With its brief and focused content, microlearning is easier for employees to engage in when they have extra time, which increases their desire for continuous learning. Training and L&D teams should focus on the creation and curation of resource libraries that contain microlearning courses based on company-specific goals. With this ease of access and ability to see the associated benefits, individuals become more inclined to participate in ongoing corporate learning, which contributes toward the overall success of the organization.

Similar to how you build muscle through repeated workouts at the gym, small increments of success through microlearning contribute to heightened competence at work. A growth mindset is further nurtured when employees feel empowered, determined and motivated to succeed.

In the end, both the individual and the organization are working toward the same goal: increasing skills. When you change how you approach learning, you change how you think. And vice versa. For the corporate learner, growth opportunities become limitless.

Interested in integrating microlearning into your L&D toolbox and simplifying your company’s professional development program? Check out D2L Wave! It’s an upskilling education platform that includes micro-credentials and microlearning opportunities. It streamlines how employees search, request, register and pay for professional development activities.

Try D2L Wave Today to transform your workforce with upskilling education

Written by

Megan Tse
Megan Tse

Megan works as an End User Support Program Manager at D2L. Megan works closely in the adoption of several internal programs for the end user support teams, including the development of strategies, processes, and solutions to ensure the best professional services are provided to customers. Additionally, she holds a close relationship with Forethought Technologies through the management of multiple ongoing projects.

Megan attended Queen’s University where she received both an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Business as well as a Bachelor of Education. She is currently working towards earning a Certificate in Digital Marketing from McMaster University Continuing Education through D2L Wave.

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Table of Contents
  1. What Is Microlearning?
  2. What Is a Growth Mindset?
  3. Microlearning avoids information overload
  4. Microlearning increases comprehension and recollection
  5. Microlearning strengthens motivation and performance

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