052: Microlearning: Small Lessons, Big Impact with Tiana Fech

01/28/25 • 23 min

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, we’re diving into microlearning – an innovative way to teach and share knowledge in small, digestible chunks. Whether you’re a teacher, corporate trainer, coach, or content creator, microlearning offers a way to engage your audience, improve knowledge retention, and make learning accessible for today’s fast-paced world.

We’ll explore what microlearning is, why it works so well, and how you can incorporate it into your teaching or training strategies. From boosting engagement to sparking curiosity, this episode is packed with actionable tips and ideas to help you make a big impact through small lessons.

Make sure you get your FREE Guide: Teaching Tool – Microlearning

Listen in as we talk about:

02:13 What is microlearning?

04:35 Why should you care about microlearning?

09:40 Microlearning in different settings and contexts

13:21 When should you use microlearning (and when not to)

14:35 Microlearning strategies

19:13 How to apply microlearning effectively

22:01 Microlearning reflection questions

Connect with Tiana:

Website: https://tianafech.com
LinkedIn: Tiana Fech
Instagram: @tianafech
Facebook: @tianafech
Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course

WHAT IS MICROLEARNING?

“Small wins are incredibly motivating because they create a sense of progress and accomplishment, even when the end goal feels far away.”

Microlearning is about delivering information in small, focused chunks. Think of it like eating an elephant – one bite at a time. Whether it’s a short video, an Instagram carousel, or a single slide in a training session, microlearning breaks complex topics into digestible pieces that are less overwhelming and more impactful. Breaking learning into small, manageable steps makes it easier to absorb and apply new knowledge.

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT MICROLEARNING?

Microlearning fits seamlessly into our digital world, making it accessible anytime, anywhere. It boosts retention by focusing on one concept at a time and sparks curiosity by giving learners just enough to keep them coming back for more. Studies show it can improve knowledge retention by up to 80% and increase engagement by 50% in business contexts. Microlearning is an effective way to meet learners where they are while keeping them engaged and motivated.

MICROLEARNING IN DIFFERENT SETTINGS AND CONTEXTS

Microlearning blurs the lines between formal and informal learning, supports self-directed learning, and makes it possible to learn on the go. It’s a perfect fit for today’s busy world, allowing learners to fit education into their schedules and retain knowledge better by focusing on key points. Microlearning empowers learners to take control of their education and thrive in diverse settings.

WHEN TO USE MICROLEARNING (AND WHEN NOT TO)

Microlearning is ideal for teaching clear, simple ideas, sparking curiosity, or reinforcing larger lessons. However, it’s not the best approach for complex topics requiring deep understanding or hands-on practice. Use microlearning strategically to deliver focused, impactful lessons—but recognize when a more in-depth approach is needed.

MICROLEARNING STRATEGIES

Try these six microlearning strategies:

Question-Answer: Pose a question and share a quick, clear answer to spark curiosity.
3-Steps: Break a task into three easy steps for simplicity and clarity.
Micro-Scenario: Use real-life situations to encourage decision-making.
1-Minute Knowledge Snack: Share quick, actionable tips learners can use immediately.
Interactive: Involve learners through polls, quizzes, or discussions.
Quick Challenge: Give a task learners can complete right away to apply their knowledge.

Microlearning strategies are versatile and can be tailored to fit any teaching or training context.

HOW TO APPLY MICROLEARNING EFFECTIVELY

Here are six tips to make microlearning work for you:

Focus on one idea at a time.
Use visuals to enhance understanding.
Create microlearning as teasers for larger topics.
Engage learners with questions or interactive elements.

Make sure you get your FREE Guide: Teaching Tool – Microlearning

Listen in as we talk about:

02:13 What is microlearning?

04:35 Why should you care about microlearning?

09:40 Microlearning in different settings and contexts

13:21 When should you use microlearning (and when not to)

14:35 Microlearning strategies

19:13 How to apply microlearning effectively

22:01 Microlearning reflection questions

Connect with Tiana:

Website: https://tianafech.com
LinkedIn: Tiana Fech
Instagram: @tianafech
Facebook: @tianafech
Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course

WHAT IS MICROLEARNING?

“Small wins are incredibly motivating because they create a sense of progress and accomplishment, even when the end goal feels far away.”

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT MICROLEARNING?

MICROLEARNING IN DIFFERENT SETTINGS AND CONTEXTS

WHEN TO USE MICROLEARNING (AND WHEN NOT TO)

MICROLEARNING STRATEGIES

Try these six microlearning strategies:

Question-Answer: Pose a question and share a quick, clear answer to spark curiosity.
3-Steps: Break a task into three easy steps for simplicity and clarity.
Micro-Scenario: Use real-life situations to encourage decision-making.
1-Minute Knowledge Snack: Share quick, actionable tips learners can use immediately.
Interactive: Involve learners through polls, quizzes, or discussions.
Quick Challenge: Give a task learners can complete right away to apply their knowledge.

Microlearning strategies are versatile and can be tailored to fit any teaching or training context.

HOW TO APPLY MICROLEARNING EFFECTIVELY

Here are six tips to make microlearning work for you:

Focus on one idea at a time.
Use visuals to enhance understanding.
Create microlearning as teasers for larger topics.
Engage learners with questions or interactive elements.

Previous Episode

051: The Building Blocks of Software Development with Paisley Churchill

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I am joined by Paisley Churchill.

Paisley is one of my incredible clients – and when I say ‘incredible,’ I truly mean it. We started working together this fall to create an online, self-directed course. From the start, Paisley impressed me with her deep knowledge, diverse and rich life experiences, and her warm, engaging personality. She’s not only fun to work with, but her commitment to crafting a high-impact learning experience for her students is unparalleled. What’s more, Paisley’s work ethic is second to none. As with all of my clients, I’ve learned so much from her throughout this process. It’s been an absolute pleasure collaborating with Paisley!

Paisley Churchill has worked with hundreds of companies, from startups to established businesses, helping them bring their software visions to life. With experience in economic development, supporting a $100M fund, and launching over 30 custom software projects, Paisley has seen firsthand how costly mistakes happen when founders don’t know what they don’t know. Drawing on her extensive background in custom software development, consulting, and entrepreneurship, Paisley founded The Tech Translator to empower non-technical founders and business leaders.

Through The Tech Translator, Paisley offers comprehensive courses designed to break down the software development process. These courses help participants reduce frustrations, avoid costly missteps, and confidently lead their projects from concept to completion. By demystifying the development journey, founders will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to collaborate more effectively with their tech teams and bring their software ideas to life.

The curriculum covers essential tech terms, software development methodologies, monetization strategies, and effective communication techniques. It also provides a structured framework for creating a product map, enabling participants to communicate their needs clearly with their development teams. By bridging the gap between business vision and technical execution, Paisley helps founders save time, money, and headaches, ensuring their product visions come to life smoothly and successfully.

Listen in as we talk about:

03:49 Paisley’s journey into tech

06:59 Bridging the tech knowledge gap

10:40 Challenges for non-technical founders

14:02 Bringing software to life for learners

22:00 The key building blocks of software development

25:33 The real cost of app development

29:21 Turning your app idea into reality

33:00 Tech myths and misconceptions

35:56 Learning beyond the classroom

39:00 Perseverance pays off

40:20 Paisley answers some rapid-fire questions

45:10 The power of bite-sized learning

Connect with Paisley:

Website: https://www.techtranslator.ca/
LinkedIn:
- Paisley Churchill
- The Tech Translator
Instagram: @the_tech_translator

Connect with Tiana:

Website: https://tianafech.com
LinkedIn: Tiana Fech
Instagram: @tianafech
Facebook: @tianafech
Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course

PAISLEY’S JOURNEY INTO TECH

Paisley’s journey into the tech world began with a love for business that took root during her university years. She joined social entrepreneurship clubs and quickly became fascinated by how businesses work, from understanding markets to crafting the right product. This early passion eventually led her to work with a variety of tech companies, helping them bring strategy and product development together. She also played a key role in Calgary’s economic development, helping to position the city as a tech hub. While Paisley didn’t initially see herself as a “tech” person, she recognized that a strong business foundation rather than technical expertise alone was key to succeeding in the digital age. Her career evolved from startups to consulting, where she now helps entrepreneurs and companies build and refine their products. For Paisley, the key to thriving in tech lies in combining business savvy with an understanding of how technology can transform ideas into reality.

BRIDGING THE TECH KNOWLEDGE GAP

Next Episode

053: Brain Power for Better Learning with Samantha Woods

Are you curious about how understanding your brain can transform learning, teaching, and everyday life? In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I sit down with Samantha Woods, the founder of Kaizen Education Services and a self-proclaimed “brain nerd,” who has spent over 20 years exploring neuroscience and its practical applications. Together, we discuss how executive functioning skills are the key to thriving in today’s fast-paced world.

Samantha shares her journey from classroom teacher to trailblazer in executive skills coaching through the innovative Brain Hub Academy. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or simply curious about optimizing your brain’s potential, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies to unlock your full potential.

Listen in as we talk about:

02:42 Unlocking learning potential

06:44 The brain’s CEO – executive functioning skills

09:59 ADHD and Executive Functioning

17:50 Practical tools for executive functioning

24:40 The brain’s response to anxiety

28:09 The future of education

33:04 The Brain Hub Academy

38:30 A teacher who inspired growth

41:00 Hope and resilience in teaching

Connect with Samantha:

Website: https://kaizeneduc.com/
LinkedIn: Samantha Woods
Instagram: @kaizeneduc
Facebook: @KaizenEducationServices
- Facebook Group: Know Better, Do Better! Understanding ADHD Kids
YouTube: Kaizen Education Services

Connect with Tiana:

Website: https://tianafech.com
LinkedIn: Tiana Fech
Instagram: @tianafech
Facebook: @tianafech
Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course

UNLOCKING LEARNING POTENTIAL

Samantha’s fascination with the brain and executive functioning started with what she calls “the four boys” who changed everything for her. As a teacher assigned to support struggling students, she was handed assessments and reports that didn’t explain why these bright kids weren’t thriving. Determined to find answers, she stumbled into a seminar by Dr. Peg Dawson—completely by accident—and discovered the missing piece: executive functioning. It wasn’t about behavior or intelligence; it was about how these students were being taught. That realization ignited an 80% passion-fueled journey into neuroscience, forever shaping how she approached learning and success. Learning isn’t just about what we teach—it’s about how we support the brain’s ability to process, organize, and thrive.

THE BRAIN’S CEO – EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS

Executive functioning skills are like the brain’s management system—often called the “CEO” or “conductor” of the brain. Found in the prefrontal cortex, these skills help us plan, organize, start tasks, stay focused, and regulate emotions. The catch? They’re the last part of the brain to fully develop! Samantha first learned about executive functioning at a workshop, and it completely changed how she saw learning struggles—not as a lack of intelligence, but as a challenge in brain development. Understanding executive functioning can be life-changing—once we recognize these skills, we can find better ways to support ourselves and others.

ADHD AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

”Attention deficit disorder isn’t actually a deficit of attention at all. It’s misdirected attention.”

ADHD and executive functioning challenges go hand in hand, yet many people don’t realize they’re deeply connected. Executive functioning skills—like focus, impulse control, and organization—are often delayed by up to 30% in ADHD brains, making an 18-year-old function more like a 14-year-old in these areas. Unlike the common stereotype, ADHD isn’t just about hyperactivity; many people, especially girls, fly under the radar because their struggles manifest as inattention or anxiety rather than disruptive behavior. The key to supporting individuals with ADHD isn’t just managing behavior—it’s addressing the underlying executive functioning delays that make everyday tasks harder. ADHD isn’t about intelligence or bad behavior—it’s about lagging executive functioning skills. Understan...