Why Spaced Microlearning Works Better for Adult Training

By Liam Hoch in Fleet Training
BlogMaking Your Driving School ADA-Compliant

Training adults, especially on dry subjects, can be challenging. Traditional long-form courses often lead to disengagement and poor retention. Enter spaced microlearning – a method that breaks down content into bite-sized, manageable chunks delivered over time.

Here’s why it works better:

A bar graph depicts the advantages of microlearning over traditional longer single-course education

  1. Enhanced Retention

Studies show that spaced repetition enhances memory retention significantly. When information is revisited periodically, it moves from short-term to long-term memory more effectively.

  1. Higher Engagement

Short, focused sessions are easier to digest and keep learners engaged. According to the Journal of Applied Psychology, learning in smaller increments can increase engagement by 50%.

  1. Flexibility and Convenience

Adults often juggle work, family, and other responsibilities. Microlearning allows them to fit training into their busy schedules, leading to higher completion rates.

  1. Better Application of Knowledge

Microlearning modules are often designed to be practical and immediately applicable. This approach ensures that learners can quickly implement what they’ve learned, reinforcing the material.

Statistics Supporting Microlearning

  • Retention Rates: According to a study by Hermann Ebbinghaus, spaced repetition can improve retention rates by up to 60%.
  • Engagement: The Journal of Applied Psychology reports a 17% increase in engagement when learning content is delivered in small, spaced intervals.
  • Completion Rates: LinkedIn Learning found that microlearning modules have a 20% higher completion rate compared to traditional courses.

Spaced microlearning isn’t just a trend; it’s a proven method to make learning more effective, especially for adults dealing with complex or dry subjects. By incorporating this approach, organizations can ensure their training programs are both engaging and impactful.

This graph illustrates memory retention rates with spaced learning compared to traditional learning:

Days of training:  Green: Spaced Learning  Orange Traditional.

A line graph helps differentiates the difference between interval learning and traditional.

Written by Liam Hoch

Liam Hoch researches and writes about safe driving for DriverZ. Having been a passenger in multiple near-catastrophic vehicle collisions, Liam knows first-hand the dangers of distracted, reckless, and unsafe driving. Passionate about our core principles of helping to make safer drivers and, ultimately, saving lives, Liam stays at the forefront of driving safety innovation and research.

Reviewed by Gary Alexander

As the CEO of Interactive Education Concepts (IEC) dba IMPROVLearning, I lead a company that is rethinking the ordinary and Saving Lives with engaging and effective training content. With over 30 years of experience in founding, building, and managing ventures in training, healthcare, and real estate, I have a proven track record of creating value and growth for my customers, partners, and investors. I am passionate about leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative content to deliver effective training solutions that enhance learning outcomes and retention. Under my leadership, IEC has expanded its product offerings, reached over 4 million students, and made the Inc 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America five times and the LA Business Journal list of 100 fastest-growing companies in LA County twice. I am also an active participant in various networks of angel investors, a 14-term board member of the LA Chapter of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO), and a former president of EO, the largest entrepreneurial organization in the world.

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