Habits are like chains. According to Warren Buffett:
I have been discussing the implementation of Microlearning projects with clients and colleagues. It should be obvious to me, but I failed to recognize that many professionals including designers, learning and training specialists, “are chained” to certain habits.
Almost No Link Between “Now” Habits and New Habits
There are overlapping worlds that chain us into habits. Our current
habits drive us to build our strengths and contributions. On the other
hand, the new habits encourage us to continue to learn newer ways. The
stress and failure come when there is almost no link between the
current/existing habits and the new ones we are starting to adapt.
Micro-Actions Versus Micro-Content
One
of the exercises I ask clients to do in Microlearning implementation
is to recognize the difference between Micro-Actions and Micro-Content.
The
concept revolves around the situation of a worker carrying out tasks at
work. In the process, the worker applies Micro-Actions: Often, the
worker wants to fix, change or find a new solution and uses experience
and/or seeks out answers from others or documentation. The worker
applies the answers and learns something along the way.
fit onto the equipment. I tried several ways and I could not make it
work. So, I checked the documentation and confirmed this screw is the
correct one. I tried again with another twist and still continued to
fail. So, I checked my colleague. He said the same thing. It is
particularly difficult to use this screw. Finally, I called the
supplier wanting to know if the screw is the correct one and expressed
my frustration. The supplier said, screw no. xx2, is the same as xx3.
But it has to be heated slightly before it can fit exactly. Based on
this I learned that there are temperatures that affect the use of some
screws and to factor this in the next time.”
The worker in the above situation applied Micro-Actions. This happens in
an instant. The focus is on solving problems and fixing things
immediately.
When I presented this situation to the designers
and trainers, their solutions were not just surprising, they threw me
off. I was expecting them to provide a quick solution or an instant
direction to the workers. Instead, they provided lengthy details and
elaborate content like these answers:
- Complete checklist
- How-to procedures
- More product information
- Quality control steps
I failed to recognize that designers and trainers are “chained” to the correctness and completeness of content. They were not able to focus on the worker’s problems and the micro-actions needed.
Unchained from Content to Actions
To
help in unchaining “now” habits to new habits required in
Microlearning, I summarized the very simple steps of Micro-Actions.
Micro-Actions
- Workers want to fix, change and find new solutions
- They use their experience, ask others and check documentation and resources
- They apply ideas to fix the issue
- They learn how to fix similar future problems
Micro-Actions Requirements
- Low effort
- Fast
- Easy
- Quick to apply
“The ZAP Microlearning Principles is one key idea
learned during the Microlearning for Disruptive Results – An Action-Driven Online Workshop
It
became clear to the designers and trainers and my clients that in
Microlearning, the focus is the worker and learner while in action at
work.
Other lessons learned:
- The completeness and thoroughness of the content does not support Micro-Actions.
- Complete
and elaborate content slows down or worse, are ignored and not accessed
by workers when implementing Micro-Actions. They become nuisances, not
productive tools. - Designers and trainers need to “unchain” themselves from thinking of content instead of solutions for workers on the job.
Conclusion
Although it seemed simple, I realized Microlearning challenges us all
to think differently. Focus on Micro-Actions, not Micro-Content.
References
How to Create 5-Slide Microlearning – Tiny, Succinct, Fast
Capture Financial Impacts of Microlearning – Download the 22-Page Case Study
Breaking 10 Training Rules Using Microlearning
How to Add Depth to Micro-Ideas