Why is microlearning more effective than traditional training?

Microlearning is more effective than traditional training on one specific point: long-term retention. A long session packs a lot of information into one go, overloads attention and is almost never reactivated afterwards. Microlearning delivers the same knowledge in short sequences, spread over time, with reminders and quizzes.

3 reasons explain it:

1. The spacing effect: learning in several sittings is retained better than learning in one (Cepeda et al., 2006).

2. The testing effect: answering a question strengthens memory more than rereading (Roediger et Karpicke, 2006).

3. Cognitive load: one objective per sequence limits overload and makes it easier to put into practice.

Microlearning doesn't replace everything: in-person training is still useful for practicing, sharing and debating. It works best as a complement, to reinforce what was covered (see blended learning).

Also read: spaced repetition and the training platform comparison.