Overcoming Time Constraints: Empowering Association Members through Microlearning

The primary challenge hindering association members from engaging in educational programs is their perceived lack of time. Professionals acknowledge the importance of acquiring new skills for career advancement, yet they resist allocating time for webinars or extensive courses. However, according to a recent article on the TopClass Association Learning Blog, this obstacle can be tackled through microlearning programs, which offer compact learning experiences that might resonate better with busy individuals.

The main adversaries in the quest for members’ time are their demanding workloads and burnout caused by incessant change and technological advancements. Their motivation for self-improvement dwindles due to these pressures. The thought of dedicating an hour to a webinar adds to their stress, and their mental capacity for learning is compromised.

Microlearning’s effectiveness lies not just in its brevity but also in its focused approach. Each microlesson centers around a single learning objective, allowing learners to grasp a concept or skill in under 10 or 15 minutes. This mirrors how people naturally learn daily tasks, like watching quick tutorials on platforms like YouTube or TikTok. Associations can offer members these short, specific learning opportunities.

To create an effective microlearning program, it’s crucial to establish a clear learning goal that addresses a specific need. Cognitive load should be minimized to prevent overwhelming learners, presenting complex information in small, digestible portions with opportunities for practice. Instructors can enhance learners’ connection to the content, though they might not always be feasible within budget constraints. Additionally, microlearning should incorporate interactive quizzes, discussion forums, reflection exercises, or note-taking to facilitate the application of new information.

By embracing microlearning’s targeted and succinct approach, associations can cater to members’ time constraints while still offering valuable educational content.