Exploring the Pedagogical Aspects of Microlearning in Educational Settings: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32890/mjli2023.20.2.3Keywords:
microlearning, systematic literature review, teaching, pedagogical design, higher educationAbstract
Purpose - Technology has revolutionized education, leading to innovative learning techniques like microlearning. Microlearning
is gaining popularity in higher education and corporate settings for its student-centred approach and well-planned modules. However,
its pedagogical design is complex, requiring a systematic review of studies to identify effective practices. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic literature review to identify effective practices of microlearning in teaching and learning in higher education between 2014 and 2023. The study aims to analyse the pedagogical design of microlearning in educational settings.
Methodology - The study follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.
A systematic literature review was conducted to identify, evaluate, interpret, and analyse available studies on the practices of microlearning. The analysis focused on the research question and identified themes related to the pedagogical design of microlearning.
Findings - The analysis revealed two final themes: the design of microlearning content and instructional flow. The design of microlearning content focused on developing microlearning material, while instructional flow focused on organizing content learning.
These findings provide insights into effective practices for curriculum designers and instructors in designing and developing microlearning strategies in teaching and learning.
Significance - The findings of this study have significant implications for educators and curriculum designers. The study highlights the
importance of considering both the design of microlearning content and instructional flow in creating engaging and effective microlearning experiences for students in higher education. By incorporating these findings, educators and curriculum designers can enhance the quality of microlearning strategies in teaching and learning.
References
Alqurashi, E. (2017). Microlearning: A pedagogical approach for technology integration. International Educational Technology Conference.
Barnett, R. (2014). Conditions of flexibility: Securing a more responsive higher education system. Higher Education Academy, York, UK.
Beste, T. (2021). Knowledge transfer in a project-based organization through microlearning on cost-efficiency. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 59(2), 288–313. https://doi.org/10.1177/00218863211033096
Buchem, I., & Hamelmann, H. (2010). Microlearning: A strategy for ongoing professional development. eLearning Papers, 1-15.
Chai-Arayalert, S., & Puttinaovarat, S. (2020). Designing mangrove ecology self-learning application based on a micro-learning approach. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 15(11), 29-41. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet. v15i11.12585
Choo, C. Y., & Abdul Rahim, A. S. (2021). Pharmacy students’ perceptions and performance from a microlearning-based virtual practical on the elucidation of absolute configuration of drugs. Asian Journal of University Education, 17(4), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.24191/ajue.v17i4.16187
Ebbinghaus, H. (1885). Memory: A contribution to experimental psychology. Teachers College Press.
Fernandez, J. (2014). The micro learning trend: Accommodating cultural and cognitive shifts. The Learning Guild.
Giurgiu, L. (2017). Microlearning an evolving elearning trend. Scientific Bulletin, 22(1), 18-23. https://doi.org/10.1515/ bsaft-2017-0003
Han, J. -L. (2019). Micro-lecture teaching for improving the learning effect of non-English majors at North China Electric Power University. English Language Teaching, 12(6), 209–216. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v12n6p209 Hesse, A., Ospina, P., Wieland, M., Yepes, L., Nguyen, B., &
Heuwieser, W. (2019). Short communication: Microlearning courses are effective at increasing the feelings of confidence and accuracy in the work of dairy personnel. Journal of Dairy Science, 102(10), 9505–9511. https://doi.org/10.3168/ jds.2018-15927
Higher Education Academy. (2015). Framework for flexible learning in higher education. Advanced HE. https://www.advance-he. ac.uk/knowledge-hub/framework-flexible-learning-highereducation
Hills, M., Teoh, S. W. K., & Lebedevs, T. (2022). Evaluation of the effectiveness and staff acceptance of education strategies to improve medication safety. Pharmacy Education, 22(1), 428–435. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2022.221.428435
Hug, T. (2005). Microlearning: A new pedagogical challenge. In T. Hug, M. Lindner, & P. A. Bruck (Eds.), Microlearning: Emerging concepts, practices and technologies after e-learning (pp. 7-12). Innsbruck University Press.
Jahnke, I., Lee, Y. M., Pham, M., He, H., & Austin, L. (2020). Unpacking the inherent design principles of mobile microlearning. Technology, Knowledge and Learning, 25(3), 585-619. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-019-09413-w
Jomah, O., Masoud, A. K., Kishore, X. P., & Aurelia, S. (2016). Micro learning: A modernised education system. Broad Research in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, 7(1), 103-110. https://lumenpublishing.com/journals/index.php/brain/article/ view/1986
Kadiev, A., Tan, E., & Specht, M. (2021). An evaluation framework for microlearning tools for designing and delivering microlearning content. Delft University of Technology. http://resolver.tudelft. nl/uuid:819700a5-b1fa-4ae3-86cd-f2c242092f63 Kasuma, S. A. A., Akhiar, A., Haron, H., Fesal, S. N. H. S., & Kadir,
N. F. A. (2021). University students’ perceptions of motivation, attitude, and self-efficacy in online English language learning. Pertanika Journal of Social Science & Humanities, 29(4), 2763-2784. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjssh.29.4.36
Kerres, M. (2007). Microlearning as a challenge for instructional design. In T. Hug & M. Lindner (Eds.), Didactics of microlearning. concepts, discourses and examples (pp. 98109). Waxmann.
Korstange, R., Hall, J., Holcomb, J., & Jasmeial, J. (2020). The online first-year experience: Defining and illustrating a new reality. Adult Learning, 31(3) 95-108. https://doi.org/10.1177/1045159519892680
Kovachev, D., Cao, Y., Klamma, R., & Jarke, M. (2011). Learn-asyou-go: New ways of cloud-based micro-learning for the mobile web. Advances in Web-Based Learning, 51-61. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-25813-8_6
Leong, K., Sung, A., Au, D., & Blanchard, C., (2021). A review of the trend of microlearning. Journal of Work-Applied Management, 13(1), 88-102. https://doi.org.10.1108/JWAM-10-2020-0044
Lindner, M. (2006). Use these tools, your mind will follow. Learning in immersive micromedia & microknowledge environments. In The Next Generation: Research Proceedings of the 13th ALT-C Conference, 41-49.
McKee, C., & Ntokos, K. (2022). Online microlearning and student engagement in computer games higher education. Research in
Learning Technology, 30(2680). https://doi.org/10.25304/rlt. v30.2680
Mohamed, R., Ghazali, M., & Samsudin, M. A. (2020). A systematic review on mathematical language learning using PRISMA in Scopus database. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 16(8), https://doi.org/10.29333/ ejmste/8300 Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., & Altman, D. G. The PRISMA
Group (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA Statement. PLoS Med, 6(7). https://doi:10.1371/journal.pmed100009
Müller, C., & Mildenberger, T. (2021). Facilitating flexible learning by replacing classroom time with an online learning environment: A systematic review of blended learning in higher education. Educational Research Review, 34(100394). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2021.100394
Park, Y., & Kim, Y. (2018). A design and development of microlearning content in e-learning system. International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology, 8(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.18517/ijaseit.8.1.2698
Pascual, R., Blanco, E., Viveros, P., & Kristjanpoller, F. (2020). Application of microlearning activities to improve engineering students’ self-awareness. International Journal of Engineering Education, 36(6), 1894-1904.
Paul, A. M. (2016). Microlearning 101. HR Magazine, 61(4), 36-40.
Polasek, R., & Javorcik, T. (2019). Results of pilot study into the application of microlearning in teaching the subject computer architecture and operating system basics. International Symposium on Educational Technology, 196–201. https://doi.org/10.1109/ISET.2019.00048
Salleh, D., Khairudin, N., & Ibrahim, M. (2022). Micro learning: Motivating students’ learning interests. Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 36(1), 153-162.
Sankaranarayanan, R., Leung, J., Abramenka-Lachheb, V., Seo, G., & Lachheb, A. (2022). Microlearning in diverse contexts: A bibliometric analysis. TechTrends, 67, 260–276. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-022-00794-x
Shabadurai, Y., Chua, F. F., & Lim, T. Y. (2022). Investigating the employees’ perspectives and experiences of microlearning content design for online training. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 12(8), 786-793. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2022.12.8.1685
Skalka, J., & Drlík, M., (2018). Conceptual framework of microlearning-based training mobile application for improving programming skills. Interactive Mobile Communication Technologies and Learning. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3319-75175-7_22
Smith, K., & Hill, J. (2019). Defining the nature of blended learning through its depiction in current research. Higher Education Research and Development, 38(2), 383-397. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2018.1517732 Ten Cate, D., Dikken, J., Ettema, R. G. A., Schoonhoven, L., &
Schuurmans, M. J. (2023). Development of a microlearning intervention regarding nursing nutritional care for older adults: A multi-methods study. Nurse Education Today, 120, 105623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105623
Thillainadesan, J., Le Couteur, D. G., Haq, I., & Wilkinson, T. J. (2022). When I say … microlearning. Medical Education, 56(8), 791–792. https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.14848
Tosuncuoglu, I. (2018). Importance of assessment in ELT. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 6(9), 163-167. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v6i9.3443
Trowbridge, S., Waterbury, C., & Sudbury, L. (2017, April 10). Learning in bursts: Microlearning with social media. Educause Review. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2017/4/learning-inbursts-microlearning-with-social-media
Turan, Z., Kucuk, S., & Cilligol Karabey, S. (2022). The university students’ self-regulated effort, flexibility and satisfaction in distance education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 19(35). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-022-00342-w
Wang, T., Towey, D., Ng, R. Y., & Gill, A. S. (2021). Towards postpandemic transformative teaching and learning: Case studies of microlearning implementations in two post-secondary educational institutions. SN Computer Science, 2(4), 271. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42979-021-00663-z Zarshenas, L., Mehrabi, M., Karamdar, L., Keshavarzi, M. H., &
Keshtkaran, Z. (2022). The effect of micro-learning on learning and self-efficacy of nursing students: An interventional study. BMC Medical Education, 22(664). https://doi.org/10.1186/ s12909-022-03726-8
Published
Issue
Section
How to Cite
Research impact
Harvested 2026-09-20Counts differ between services because each indexes a different body of literature. None of them is the whole picture.

