Microlearning for Teacher Professional Development

If you talk to a teacher about their daily school routine, it would include lesson planning, grading, and the usual classroom chaos. Seldom would you hear about their own learning. With back-to-back classes, classroom duties, checking notebooks or grading papers, teachers hardly get time to breathe, let alone find time to think about their own learning. Professional development takes a backseat. One thing that teachers often misunderstand about it is that they need long hours or an intense workshop. Yet, sometimes all it takes are 10 minutes. That’s what microlearning for teachers is all about – small, focused lessons that fit into the real life of a teacher.

 

So, What is Microlearning?

Microlearning for teachers is exactly what it sounds like, which is learning in small doses. Instead of long sessions, it delivers short, simple lessons (usually 3 to 10 minutes long) that can be completed at one’s own pace. These lessons are in the form of a short video, an infographic, a step-by-step guide, or a quick quiz. Each module focuses on a single topic at a time to make it easier for you to remember and understand. The topic can be anything from classroom management to policy explanations. There is no pressure on you to sit through long modules or clear your schedule. Just bite-sized learning, wherever and whenever you get a breather.

 

Why Microlearning for Teachers Actually Works?

Teachers don’t need more to-dos, they need smarter ways to stay updated. That is where microlearning helps:

1. Fits in your busy day: It is very convenient for you to learn any time you want without having to schedule a specific time. You learn in your free period, lunch break, or your ride home.
2. One concept at a time: It can be problematic to learn too much too fast. Microlearning lets you focus on just one topic at a time, making it easier for you to remember and apply that knowledge.
3. Keeps your memory fresh: Multiple studies show that learning in small batches helps to retain information better and for longer.
4. Builds a habit: You are more likely to get into the habit of it because it is short and easy. Over time, regular microlearning adds up to real growth.

 

Where Teachers Can Use it?

Microlearning isn’t just theory, it’s useful for day-to-day teaching. Here’s how:

• – Managing the classroom: Short videos, case studies or examples about different classroom management techniques for different classroom scenarios or student behaviours.
• – Subject refreshers: A quick 5-minute explainer to brush up on a Maths formula or a grammar rule.
• – Using tech tools: Different how-to videos or infographics can help sort out those technical issues you keep having.
• – Improving pedagogy: Tips on giving better feedback, asking open-ended questions, or planning differentiated tasks.

 

Is It Happening in India?

India is does not lag behind when it comes to adopting the best learning practices and methods. In fact, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 had made continuous professional development a focal point for teachers. Government, through platforms like DIKSHA and NISHTHA has made offer short learning modules in multiple Indian languages, designed with teachers’ time and classroom needs in mind.

Private education platforms are also stepping up by offering short videos, PDFs, and interactive tasks that align with real curriculum goals. YouTube is another great platform as a source for microlearning.

 

Getting Started: Simple Ways to Try Microlearning

• – Pick one topic a week: It is a good idea to start small. Maybe focus on something you want to get better at this week, like managing group work or trying a new digital tool.
• – Use quiet time: Got an unexpected free period? Found 10 minutes before class? That’s your learning window.
• – Talk about it: Discuss what you’ve learnt with a fellow teacher. You’ll be surprised at how much you both pick up through small discussions like these.
• – Keep track: Make notes or write what you learnt in a simple folder or notebook. You can even make notes about what or how you use it and if you need to modify it for your classroom.

 

Small Steps, Big Change

Microlearning for teachers is not about replacing proper training sessions or workshops. It is about learning being an essential yet easy part of your week. It is flexible, easy to manage, and most importantly it fits perfectly in your schedule.

Remember, even your own learning deserves a little space and time. Sometimes, just ten minutes a day is all it takes to grow.