The Bite-Sized Learning Method: A Novel Approach to Teaching (How it works and tips)
Bite-sized learning is just exactly as easy as it sounds... Bite-sized learning is an effective method of delivering content in very small fragments that can be focused. Learn how to use it.
Have you ever been so hungry that once food is right in front of you, you immediately devour the food? It's tasty and satisfying at the moment, over-indulging often leaves the stomach with cramps and being nauseated... with no time for dessert! Sticking to bite sized portions allows you to avoid indigestion and leaves you room for more delightful alternatives.
Now that we have realized that bite-sized alternatives are the way to go, we can also implement this idea to different areas of our lives. Introducing the idea of bite-sized learning is a method of teaching that uses for delivering content in tiny, targeted chunks (yes, food is still on our mind).
Jump ahead:
Overloaded with information can be an issue that is serious... Do you ever left an event, class or even an educational retreat or seminar and your mind has simply stopped working because you've been hyper-stimulated?
The manner in which content can be presented today is drawn-out in an effort to jam-pack every bit of information into lengthy classes or events that span multiple days. This can be an even bigger challenge to handle expensive events, time constraints, and burnout when trying to fit meaningful training or learning sessions in the busy schedules of all employees.
Bite sized learning is as simple as it sounds. This strategy focuses on deconstructing the content on the internet into smaller chunks which are simple to absorb. These are modules that are brief and refined. They are meant to range anywhere of 1-15 minutes and focus on a specific subject or concept of interest, as opposed to more conventional methods of learning that can range between 30 and 3 hours long as a means to sift through and absorb a broad array of topics.
A major change is taking place away from traditional methods of learning to eLearning or online learning, small-sized learning can be a highly efficient and productive way to increase the retention of learners and increase their participation. There are many benefits of the rapidly expanding learning method, which is why businesses all over have been adopting the method.
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The benefits of bite-sized learning
- Offers flexibility for the mobile classroom
The main benefit of teaching in bites-sized pieces is that it offers flexibility. In more conventional learning environments the students had to plan significant amounts of time in their busy schedule to attend seminar or lecture in person. Although there are certain advantages to learning in-person by using a hands-on approach to learning, that kind of style can be more effective for subjects which require both visual and kinesthetic methods.
For auditory learning that often involves reading, writing, and memorization, there isn't as big of a need to travel in person to learn that way. Small-sized learning provides flexibility students to learn anywhere and at any place - they don't need to take a chunk out of their day for travel, or even block out a significant period of time.
Through bite-sized learning, modules are delivered in small, digestible pieces which are able to be combined and used with a variety of methods. This can be a great gain for the learner, dependent on their current needs and preferences. They can work through various learning 'nuggets' that are beneficial to them at this moment, through mobile learning as well as access these topics according to the order they are beneficial to the learners.
- Improves engagement
We all know how easy it can be to become distracted or lose your mind... at times it is difficult to keep your mind focused and on task, never mind actually processing and digesting information!
Learning through e-learning can be a particularly difficult hurdle to conquer, since there are so many potential distractions (and the absence of a teacher watching at you). That's where bite-sized learning is a factor. When learners know they don't have to sit through the gruelling 60 minutes of a course that is too long and covers many topics to comprehend and are therefore more likely to attend.
Bite sized learning is an effective way to keep students from suffering mental exhaustion, boredom, and burnout. Learners are more motivated to consume quick yet useful information. The concept of bite sized learning can also help students be more aware of the content that is being presented instead of thoughtlessly absorbing an overwhelming amount of information.
Research has shown that students' interest in studying and understanding the subject matter greatly improved after smaller pieces of information were taught. This resulted in greater engagement and overall better performance as students were able to effectively retain knowledge and increase their testing abilities (Liu, Wei, and Gao (2016). The utilization of smaller and well-planned chunks of information helps students before disengaged, disconnected and disengaged to stay motivated and attracted.
- Caters into the memory of working
Information that is presented in small pieces is much easier to digest, understand and recall. From a psychological point of view The information processing theory is a cognitive theory that clarifies how information is stored into our memories. This theory explains the way we focus our attention on the moment and how our brain filters information and stores it in either our short-term or long-term memory.
It is important that information gets stored in the long-term memory of our brains for us to be able to apply the knowledge. In a corporate environment when employees receive training or in any kind of educational setting, you need the audience to comprehend and be able to retain the information.
When learning materials are broken down into various parts, students can better encode this knowledge into their permanent memory. Chunking information is a way to collect smaller fragments of material and combine them into more meaningful - and, consequently, more memorable completes. This method helps to make learning more manageable and easy to consolidate knowledge to long-term memories. Learners are much more able to recall and then apply the information to daily work once the information is processed to long-term memories.
- Enhances productivity
Now that we have found that bite-sized learning gives more flexibility to mobility, improves engagement levels, and helps to better store information in our long-term memory, you might already assume that productivity levels will increase! While people will be better able to work with their time, they're able to more effectively remember key points that are beneficial.
The most appealing aspect of these small learning pieces is that they're typically better than larger learning modules that provide just-in-time assistance. If, for instance, employees require a short refresher on a specific process that is used it is likely that they will need immediate assistance.
It is a much wiser use of your time to jump through a quick couple-minute video or post instead of sifting through an hour-long module in search of that particular idea. Learning methods that were traditional forced students to endure a lot of extra irrelevant material, instead of cutting to the essential notions. Smaller learning allows learners to get access to information that pertains to their problem at hand and then act upon it right away which increases their effectiveness.
- Modern learners can benefit from HTML0.
One of the biggest barriers in learning is the limitation of time. Most people struggle finding enough time for learning and focusing. This is why the demand for mobile learning has grown. It is now possible for people to take classes anywhere and at any moment... but watching a 5-minute video on your commute sounds much more attractive as a 90-minute lecture. Traditional eLearning programs can be overwhelming and ineffective - people are expected to endure long lecture sessions and there is an overload of data.
Bite-sized learning, in contrast to the conventional approach, concentrates on meeting the needs of today's learners. Students of today are familiar with being able to access information at their fingertips However, there's an overwhelming amount of information which may seem to be overwhelming.
The concept of bite-sized learning is a good fit for this, as it allows them to access small nuggets of condensed information at their fingertips, anytime and from anywhere. Mobile learning coupled with bite-sized learning provides individuals the ability to avoid lengthy lecture sessions and to retain small chunks of information at a time that suits their needs.
We've now established the benefits of learning through bite-sized pieces we can discuss suggestions for implementing bite-sized training as well as bite-sized training examples.
Tips on how to implement bite sized learning
- Create short modules
- Keep to only one subject at a time
The human mind can get overwhelmed easily... And introducing multiple topics in the span of a few minutes can lead to excessive stimulation. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to present complex concepts in a compact classroom, but it might be easier to narrow down the subject matter to just one concept one at a time, and concentrate on the key takeaways students must be aware of. It's crucial to focus on only the most important concepts, and avoid getting overcrowded with unnecessary and irrelevant data.
- Examine learners' Proficiency using a bite-sized format
One of the greatest benefits of bite sized learning is the ability to support learners with the knowledge that they most require. While bite sized learning is an effective way of conveying key concepts, it is challenging to know how far learners have come in their learning, as well as what knowledge learners are able to comprehend. Incorporating short, concise recaps in small-sized classes can help you know where your students are at. By incorporating a short test or questionnaire can assist in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your students and help determine the level of their proficiency. Make sure to make it bite-sized as well!
- Additional resources are available.
Although some foods are great small bites, other things are designed to be eaten! You might have sparked interest and they're looking for something more than a tiny nugget.
- Create an easy to follow learning plan
With eLearning modules, it can sometimes be tricky to stay on track and up to date with all the latest developments. A learning plan, map, or timeline that outlines the different units will be very beneficial for both instructors and students.
You've got it! Hope that this guide for smaller learning pieces can aid others.