What is microlearning and how can it increase learners’ motivation to learn?
Microlearning is a modern educational approach that delivers content in short, focused modules (7–15 minutes), often in digital formats. Grounded in cognitive science principles such as cognitive load theory, the spacing effect, the Zeigarnik effect, and dual coding, it enhances efficiency and retention. With the shrinking attention span of new generations and the shift toward digital education after the COVID-19 pandemic, microlearning offers a practical, flexible, and engaging solution for continuous learning.
Its key benefits include improved knowledge retention, flexibility, personalization, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and higher learner engagement. However, it may risk oversimplification, lack of depth, reliance on technology, and fragmented learning experiences. To maximize its impact, microlearning should be combined with traditional methods and structured hierarchically. In higher education and professional development, microlearning serves as a powerful tool for lifelong learning and skills enhancement.
