As online micro-learning gains momentum, it's crucial not to overlook the principles of adult learning that are essential for developing effective leaders. Micro-learning, by its very nature, is designed to be short, focused, and relevant to the learner's needs. By leveraging the principles of experience, self-directed learning, relevant content, active participation, immediate application, and collaboration with digital micro-learning, we have a powerful tool to support leaders to develop critical skills.
Experience
This principle emphasises the importance of connecting new concepts with learners' existing knowledge and experience. Through reflection and discussion with peers, leaders can develop a deeper understanding of how to apply these concepts in their work. Digital micro-learning can capture leaders' experiences, reflections and learnings, making it easy to share with peers, seek feedback, and put into action.
Self-Directed Learning
Leaders can take ownership of their own learning by setting goals, tracking their progress, and seeking out resources that address their specific needs. Micro-learning provides leaders with a wealth of targeted resources that they can explore on their own time and at their own pace, integrated into their flow of work.
Relevant Content
Relevant content is crucial in ensuring that leaders remain engaged and motivated to learn. Leaders can tailor their learning activities to their specific needs by selecting content that is relevant to their role and interests. When engaging in micro-learning, leaders can choose targeted content that resonates with their experiences and goals, making their learning more valuable, effective and related to day-to-day activities.
Active Participation
Leaders can engage more actively with micro-learning by taking advantage of the interactive features such as quizzes, reflection, and scenarios. Leaders can test their knowledge, explore new ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of the concepts they are learning.
Immediate Application
Immediate application is critical to ensuring that leaders integrate new concepts and ideas into their work. By engaging in targeted, bite-sized micro-learning, leaders can apply what they learn immediately.
Collaboration
Leaders can collaborate with peers to deepen their understanding of key concepts and develop new skills. Micro-learning can be developed in such a way that learning from the online environment can be blended with group projects, discussions, and peer feedback so that leaders can take their learning into the real-world.
By building on learners' experiences, providing self-directed learning opportunities, relevant content, active participation, immediate application, and collaboration, leaders can develop critical skills. By embracing these principles and creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement, leaders can stay ahead in today's rapidly changing and competitive business environment.
Check out the examples in our Effective Leadership package for how you can integrate the principles of adult learning into digital micro-learning.
