What makes a microlearning unit work
Learning objective
Design a single microlearning unit around one objective and four phases.
01 · Hook
Why this matters
Microlearning isn't just short. Short is the byproduct. A microlearning unit works when it does one thing, end to end, with retrieval baked in.
02 · Core
Four phases
Hook
One paragraph that names why this matters to the learner today.
Core
The principle with one worked example. Not three.
Practice
One retrieval activity — knowledge check, prompt, or rewrite task.
Carry
One specific thing the learner does back at their desk today.
2 to 8 minutes total. One objective. If you find yourself adding a second objective, you have two units.
03 · Practice
Try it
Choose
What is the single best test of whether a microlearning unit is working?
04 · Carry
One thing to take back to work today
Pick one topic you usually teach in 30 minutes. Strip it back to one observable thing the learner could do today. That is your microlearning unit.
Craig Stanley Studio · Microlearning 10 of 12 · Pairs with the Foundations of Instructional Design course.