Short Report: Microlearning Journey to Build Resilience

Author: Tyler Phillips, Research Psychologist and Lead Content Specialist

In our last post, we explored the possibility of enhancing resilience simply by learning, without necessarily accompanying that learning with behavioral change. The reviewed literature was encouraging, and even provided a promising departure point for busy adults in particular. The microlearning method – that is, providing learning material in short bursts dispersed over several weeks, instead of all at once – was indicated as not only more compatible with our hectic schedules, but also capable of providing the sharpest immediate boost to resilience. 

Given this background, Neurozone^® decided to develop and pilot a microlearning project to enhance resilience. This project, the Resilience Pulse Journey, consisted of: 

1. An initial assessment on the Neurozone^® Resilience Index (NRI),
2. Provision of 14 short insightful videos, 3 times per week, on how the brain-body system can be optimized for greater resilience, well-being, and high performance,
3. Delivery of 3 live tutorials, each 1 hour long, to consolidate the video learnings and support the integration and application of their insights into participants’ lives, and  
4. A post-intervention (re)assessment on the NRI.

The project was piloted on a sample of staff (in both academic and support capacities) working at a South African university. The final sample (those who completed all steps above) was 40 individuals. In this sample, the sex distribution was 20% male and 80% female, the age range was between 36- and 65-years-old, and the highest levels of education included diplomas/higher certificates, Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and Doctorate degrees. 

The results for the overall group’s resilience are as follows:

The group’s aggregated NRI score went from 70 at initial assessment to 76 at second assessment. This was a statistically significant improvement, with a large effect size. In fact, the group’s average NRI score meaningfully increased from below to above the Neurozone^® user average (72), and from the ‘Moderate’ to the ‘High Moderate’ range of resilience.

This project therefore demonstrated that microlearning for enhanced resilience, as developed and delivered by Neurozone^®, is a successful enterprise. The Resilience Pulse journey can indeed enhance resilience in a measurable, meaningful way. 

Moreover, since this sample’s final NRI score was almost 10% higher than their initial score, we have reason to believe that the microlearning intervention may also benefit participants’ mental health. This is because separate Neurozone^® studies have shown that a 10% increase in resilience can predict a 11.40% reduction in burnout, a 9.70% reduction in depression, and a 7.20% reduction in anxiety.

Further still, well-being in a more holistic sense may also be positively impacted by the Resilience Pulse Journey. In addition to measuring their NRIs, the pilot program also sought quantitative and qualitative feedback from the participants on their experience of taking part in it. The majority (87%) indicated that they felt that the microlearning component positively impacted their resilience, and one participant’s testimonial was particularly illustrative of just how transformative the Journey was: 

“I would like to say since I embarked on the Neurozone^® Resilience Pulse Journey, I’m truly amazed by the transformative impact it’s had on my life. Over the past six weeks, this program has provided me with invaluable insights into enhancing my neurological well- being, and the practical strategies I’ve learned have made a profound difference. I’ve cultivated a more positive outlook, bolstered my emotional resilience, and found it easier to navigate work challenges, even though, as a human, complete control isn’t always feasible. This brief journey not only enhanced my cognitive abilities but also had a positive ripple effect on my personal relationships and overall life satisfaction. I am confident that this experience will be a pivotal factor in my well-being and success.”

It seems, then, that Neurozone^® is adding confirmatory findings to the newly emerging body of literature on the power of microlearning. Our data shows that by embarking on something like the Resilience Pulse Journey, busy adults can enhance their resilience and the psychological resources to live well – and in the pursuit of thriving.