Authors Tyler Phillips (Research Psychologist & Research and Content Consultant) and Dr Etienne van der Walt (Neurologist and CEO & founder of Neurozone®)
In today’s stressful, challenging, and rapidly changing world, we need to keep learning. We constantly need to adapt, update our knowledge, and develop new skills—often while juggling a hundred other responsibilities. So, how do we keep learning without burning out?
One answer is microlearning: a flexible, bite-sized way of learning that can fit into even the busiest day. It’s less overwhelming than traditional learning methods and, as research shows, may actually be more effective.
Faster, More Accurate Learning
In a 2017 German study, students were divided into two groups. Both groups were taught the same content—one using microlearning (small chunks, spaced out over time), the other using macrolearning (a longer session all at once). When tested, the microlearning group completed the quiz 28% faster and scored 20% more accurately. The takeaway? Microlearning can boost both how quickly and how correctly we recall information.
Better Understanding, Not Just Memorization
A 2018 study in Turkey found that students who used microlearning didn’t just perform better on exams—they also showed deeper understanding. Compared to students who used macrolearning, more microlearners demonstrated a real grasp of the material. This shows that microlearning doesn’t just help us remember things—it helps us make sense of them.
Improved Retention in High-Stakes Fields
In 2019, a review of microlearning in healthcare education found that it helped students learn and retain crucial information better than traditional methods. In fields where knowledge can literally save lives, this indicates that microlearning can create more confident, capable professionals.
Boosting a Wide Range of Learning Outcomes
A recent 2025 review confirmed what many earlier studies had already suggested: microlearning improves a broad range of outcomes. These include positive effects on cognitive outcomes such as:
- Gaining, retaining, and applying knowledge
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Self-regulation and feedback skills
- Test performance and core competencies
It also improves behavioral outcomes, like:
- Presentation and task performance
- Engagement and collaboration
- Completion rates in learning programs
Microlearning Can Make You More Resilient
At Neurozone®, we’ve seen how microlearning doesn’t just improve cognitive and behavioral skills—it can also strengthen psychological resilience. In one study, professionals who engaged with our Microlearning Journey saw a 10% improvement in their resilience, as measured by the Neurozone® Resilience Index. This course, comprising neuroscience-based insights on optimizing the brain-body system for greater adaptability and performance, can therefore help us manage our challenges better and stay on track to thrive.
The Bottom Line: Microlearning for a More Resilient, Knowledgeable You
In a world where time is tight and stress is high, microlearning offers a powerful solution. It’s not just a convenient way to keep learning—it might be the most effective way. From faster recall and deeper understanding to greater resilience and performance, the research shows that microlearning isn’t just easier—it’s smarter. And in today’s demanding world, that might be exactly what we need.