Bite-sized Learning
- also known as Microlearning, or breaking
down information into manageable chunks,
is a method that reduces the duration of
long, uninterrupted sessions for students.
Bite-sized learning modules are short, 1- 15
minutes, centered on one learning objective
at a time. These modules, such as videos,
text, or podcasts, are particularly useful for
online learning. They allow students to
make connections between modules,
allowing them to revisit them in any order.
Microlearning is a teaching strategy that
utilizes small, well-planned units or activities
in the form of short segments of content
combined with micro activities. It is also
known as bite-sized learning. Research on
microlearning indicates its various benefits.
Bite-sized learning helps maintain focus and
engagement, adapting to the increasing
understanding of the human brain's
physiology. This method is not 'dumbing
down' but adapting to the alternating cycles
of attention and distraction, especially in
today's technology-driven world.
When creating micro activities, always
remember keep it FSS:
●
●
●
Keep it focused: Each micro activity
should focus on a single learning
goal, with a specific desired result in
mind.
Keep it small: Content should be
broken down into smaller units
containing micro activities that can
be followed by short comprehension
checks or low-stakes quizzes.
Keep it short: Micro activities should
be brief, allowing learners to
complete them in less than 5
minutes on their own or 10 minutes
for group activities, allowing
instructors to focus on essential
information.
Examples of short micro activities:
When implementing microlearning, it is
important to engage students with a variety
of short micro activities. Some examples of
micro activities include
1. Introduction to a new concept (5
minutes)
2. Think-Pair-Share (5 minutes for
thinking and pairing, and 5 minutes
for sharing)
3. Jigsaw (5 minutes for individual
reading, 5 minutes for group
discussion, and 10 minutes for
explaining to other groups)
4. Mini-lecture or watching a video (5
minutes)
Benefits of bite sized learning
1. Offers flexibility for mobile learning
- Bite sized learning offers flexibility
for learners to be educated at any
time and in any place – they don't
need to take a chunk out of their day
to commute or block off a significant
period of time.
2. Improves engagement
- The concept of bite sized learning
also allows students to better
understand the information that is
presented, instead of thoughtlessly
absorbing an overwhelming amount
of knowledge.
3. Caters to the working memory
- The psychological method of
'chunking' information allows
people to take smaller bits of
material and combine them
into more meaningful – and
therefore more memorable –
holes.
4. Increase in productivity
- Bite-sized learning enables learners
to quickly access relevant material
and take immediate action on their
issues, thereby enhancing their
productivity.
5. Benefits modern learners
- Mobile learning combined with bite
sized learning provides individuals
with the freedom to skip lengthy
lectures and retain short information
at their convenience.
03/29/bite-sized-learning-small-short
-and-focused/
Bite-sized learning: definition and benefits.
(2023, May 29). Acer for Education.
Retrieved August 28, 2023, from
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on-span/
Burton, C. (2022, August 9). Bite Sized
Learning: A New Strategy For
Teaching (How It Works & Tips).
Thinkific. Retrieved August 28, 2023,
from
https://www.thinkific.com/blog/bite-si
zed-learning/
Cohen, D. (n.d.). The Top 5 Reasons Why
You Should Develop, Manage &
References
Barber, E. (2017, March 29). Bite-sized
Learning: Small, Short and Focused
– EDVICE EXCHANGE. Wordpress
+ Temple. Retrieved August 28,
2023, from
https://sites.temple.edu/edvice/2017/
Deploy Bite Sized-Learning. Shift
eLearning. Retrieved August 28,
2023, from
https://www.shiftelearning.com/blog/
bid/342367/the-age-of-bite-sized-lea
rning-what-is-it-and-why-it-works