Transforming Higher Education With Microlessons

Introduction

Microlessons in education offer a multitude of benefits that can revolutionize the learning experience. These bite-sized lessons, typically spanning a few minutes, are designed to deliver concise and focused content to students. Remesh (2013) shared that these lessons typically contain a small focus or single concept. Through these brief lessons, students are empowered to develop necessary practical skills. Indeed, Msimanga (2021) prosed that using microlessons frequently augments student acquisition of necessary skills and expertise for their professional practices. Another key advantage of microlessons is their ability to cater to individual learning styles and preferences (Shen et al., 2023). By presenting information in small, easily digestible portions, students are less likely to feel overwhelmed and more likely to stay engaged. This format also allows for greater flexibility in terms of when and where learning takes place, as microlessons can be accessed on various devices, such as smartphones or tablets. Another advantage is the enhanced retention and recall of information that occurs through these lessons. Research suggests that shorter bursts of learning followed via immediate reinforcement can lead to better long-term memory retention (Gocheva et al., 2022). Microlessons facilitate this process using providing repeated exposure to key concepts and reinforcing understanding through quick assessments or interactive elements. Additionally, the condensed nature of microlessons encourages focused attention, minimizing distractions and optimizing cognitive load which results in improved comprehension and knowledge retention. Furthermore, microlessons promote active learning and student-centered approaches. Instead of passive consumption of information, students are encouraged to actively participate through activities, discussions, or problem-solving exercises embedded within these lessons. This interactivity fosters critical thinking skills, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Liu et al. (2022) conveyed that the integration of microlessons is also highly adaptable and can be easily integrated into existing curricula at all levels of education. For example, educators can use them as supplementary resources to reinforce classroom instruction, as pre-reading or pre-learning activities, or as post-lesson reviews. Moreover, the modular structure of microlessons enables educators to personalize the learning experience, catering to the diverse needs and abilities of their students. As well, microlessons can promote self-directed learning and lifelong learning habits (Arranz et al., 2017; Du, 2020; Herrera-Pavo, 2021; Redondo et al., 2021; Villarroel et al., 2017; Wang & Zhu, 2019). Providing students with autonomy over their learning pace and allowing them to revisit concepts whenever needed results in microlessons that empower learners to take ownership of their education. Engaging in microlessons can also result in ongoing learning beyond the classroom since students can access microlessons on-demand and continue their educational journey at their own convenience. Overall, microlessons in education offer a range of benefits, including increased engagement, improved retention, active learning, adaptability, and through the fostering of self-directed learning. These compact and focused lessons have the potential to transform traditional educational practices by leveraging technology and catering to the needs of modern learners, ultimately enhancing the overall learning experience.