Microlearning Shots: Can Microlearning Really Build Deep Knowledge?

Here’s what the science (and real-world results) say

Recently, two discussions collided in an interesting way:

• A powerful piece by Daniel Willingham on how our brains develop knowledge.
• On a recent 7taps onboarding call, I joined new users wrestling with a common concern: "We love the micro format, but can it really build the deep product knowledge our sales team needs?"

Many L&D leaders ask this same question.

“Microlearning is great for quick reminders, but not for real knowledge building,” they often say.

But does the science support that assumption? And what do real-world results show?

How the Brain Actually Builds Knowledge

Think about how people truly master complex skills in real life.

A new manager doesn’t become a great people leader from a single massive training session. Instead, they acquire knowledge piece by piece, each insight connecting to and reinforcing what they already know.

This is exactly how well-designed microlearning should work.

Real-World Success: When Microlearning Drives Deep Learning

Let’s look at two real examples that prove microlearning can build deep expertise when used strategically.

⚙️ Microlearning for Technical Knowledge

(Yes, microlearning can handle technical topics!)

Years ago, I was skeptical when a manufacturing client wanted to use microlearning for equipment maintenance training.

"How could 5-minute sessions possibly teach technical skills?" I wondered.

But what happened next changed my perspective forever.

🔹 Every morning, technicians spent 5 minutes learning about one specific machine component — not just facts, but how it connected to other parts and common failure patterns.
🔹 Each session built on the previous ones, like pieces of a puzzle.
🔹 After three months, these technicians weren’t just memorizing procedures — they were diagnosing problems no one had explicitly trained them for.

Why did this work? Because microlearning wasn’t used as random information dumps. Instead, it was a carefully structured progression, reinforcing and deepening knowledge over time.

Think of it like learning to cook. You don’t become a chef by reading an entire cookbook in one sitting. Instead, you:

• Learn about ingredients one by one.
• Practice basic techniques daily.
• Understand how flavors interact.
• Gradually master more complex recipes.

This is how real expertise is built — and it’s exactly how microlearning should be designed.

👨‍💻 Microlearning for Software Customer Support

A software company was struggling with their customer support team's problem-solving abilities. Traditional “critical thinking” workshops weren’t helping.

So, we broke it down into small, structured learning bursts:

✅ Monday: Core feature X basics (5 minutes)
✅ Wednesday: Common customer challenges with X (5 minutes)
✅ Friday: How X connects with other features (5 minutes)

The secret? Connection.

Each piece linked to the last one, reinforcing prior knowledge. We started sessions with quick questions like:

🧐 “Remember how Feature X handles user data? Today, we’ll see how that affects Feature Y…”

The result? The team internalized product knowledge faster than ever before.

The Biggest Microlearning Mistake to Avoid

⚠️ But here’s what many people get wrong about microlearning: they assume “micro” means shallow.

I once watched a company cram their entire product training into 2-minute videos. It was like trying to teach someone to drive by showing them pictures of a car dashboard. It completely missed the point.

Instead, microlearning should be:

✅ Structured. Every session connects to previous knowledge.
✅ Progressive. It starts simple and gradually deepens.
✅ Practical. Each session provides an immediate way to apply learning.

How to Design Microlearning for Deep Knowledge

Here are 4 practical takeaways to ensure your microlearning builds real expertise.

1. Start with the end in mind.

Ask: What deep understanding do learners need?

Break it down into connected, structured pieces.
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2. Use real-world examples.

One bank we worked with built microlearning around actual customer scenarios — way more effective than abstract concepts.
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3. Build strong connections between sessions.

Always start new sessions by linking to prior knowledge.

Example: “Remember when we learned X? Today, we’ll see how that applies to Y…”
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4. Make it immediately applicable.

Every session should end with a clear “use this today” takeaway.

Knowledge sticks when learners apply it right away.

Final Thought: Microlearning Done Right = Deep Knowledge

Microlearning isn’t just about quick refreshers — when designed well, it’s a powerful engine for building deep expertise.

It’s not about delivering less information — it’s about delivering knowledge in a way the brain actually absorbs it best.

So, the next time someone says, “Microlearning can’t build deep knowledge”, ask them this:

💡 How do we actually learn anything deeply?

One step at a time.