Episode 51: Rethinking Microlearning

Written By Jess Almlie
 
 

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Microlearning sounds simple. It’s not.

In this episode, Jess sits down with Robyn Defelice to unpack why microlearning often fails and what L&D pros are getting wrong. They explore the critical shift from covering content to making intentional decisions, why misalignment derails projects, and how to actually use microlearning as part of a broader learning strategy. If you’ve ever been asked to “just make it shorter,” this conversation will change how you think about design, stakeholders, and impact.

Jess and Robyn Discuss

  • Why L&D must shift from content coverage to intentional decision making

  • How microlearning exposes weak design and stakeholder habits

  • The three different meanings of “microlearning” and why misalignment happens

  • How to push back on stakeholders while staying learner focused

  • Why microlearning is not just shrinking content

  • The role of shared language in successful learning projects

  • How the Microlearning Readiness Framework (MLR) helps teams assess capability

  • When microlearning works best as pre-work, reinforcement, or extension

  • Why microlearning should complement, not replace, other learning formats

  • Practical first steps to start using microlearning more effectively

About Robyn A. Defelice

Robyn A. Defelice, PhD, is a learning strategist, consultant, and speaker who transforms how L&D professionals approach their craft. With 25 years spanning startups to Fortune 500s, manufacturing to healthcare, government to higher education, she helps practitioners integrate the art, science, and business of learning to become strategic partners in their organizations. She is the founder of RADLearning, co-author of "Microlearning: Short and Sweet" (ATD Press), and author of the newly released, "Maximizing the Power of Microlearning" (ATD Press). For over a decade, she has partnered with ATD on research into training development times, informing how organizations approach capacity and capability planning. Her favorite moments? When L&D teams discover their untapped potential and realize just how much impact they can have.

Find and Connect with Robyn A. Defelice

 

Jess Almlie
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Episode 50: Design Learning Beyond Courses