Micro vs. Macro Learning: What’s the Difference?

At some point in your career, you will probably have come across the term “micro-learning”. Less likely, you would have heard the phrase “macro-learning”, although you may have heard it referred to as traditional or conventional.

What is Micro-Learning?

Micro-learning refers to the delivery of educational or training content in small, “bite-sized chunks”. Information is broken down into smaller segments and presented in a step-by-step framework. The design is intended to be easily consumable within a short amount of time, usually no longer than a few minutes. Micro-learning is often used for “just-in-time” learning, or for reinforcing a previously learned concept.

The benefits of micro-learning include:

• It is easy to fit into a busy schedule
• It allows for focused and targeted learning
• It allows for the reinforcement of specific concepts
• It provides access to material at the learner’s convenience

Micro-learning has become increasingly popular in recent years for its adaptability to suit busy work schedules, producing higher completion rates as a result. It can often feel like there is not enough time to factor in training on top of a busy work calendar. Micro-learning can be the solution for this by providing a self-guided learning journey where the learner controls what they want to learn and when. It is also extremely useful for more complex subjects, improving knowledge retention by allowing the learner more time to focus on each section until they are confident to move on to the next step.

What is Macro-Learning?

Macro-learning, on the other hand, is a more conventional method that we may recognise from our time in general education, delivering content typically in longer, more comprehensive chunks. It is designed to cover a broader range of topics or skills and usually takes longer to complete. The benefits of macro-learning include:

• It provides a comprehensive understanding of a subject
• It allows for the development of a broad range of skills
• It can be used to cover a wide range of topics in greater detail

Macro-learning is often more formal and expert-led, compared to its counterpart, and can provide either a broader introductory level of training or a more in-depth examination of specialist subjects. Whilst this method of learning may dredge up images of dreary classrooms and monotonous subjects led by equally bored teachers, in reality, macro-learning does not have to be as archaic. Classroom-based training in recent years has evolved considerably, keeping up with the latest trends in learning and development by tailoring learning to individuals and adapting material, times and locations appropriately to suit everyone in the course.

Micro-learning vs. Macro-Learning

The key differences between the two learning structures can be summarised in the table below:

 Everyone learns differently. Some learners may benefit entirely from one style of learning, or by adapting elements of both into their learning journey. Micro-learning and macro-learning equally have their own benefits, and it is possible to use them together in a blended learning approach. This way, learners are exposed to both micro and macro learning opportunities as part of their overall learning experience.

Insurance brokers need to stay up-to-date with the latest laws and regulations, as well as what knowledge on what products or services they can offer to their clients. Micro-learning can provide quick and easy access to the most recent information, allowing brokers to ensure that they are maintaining compliance and kept informed of recent developments within the industry. Macro-learning can enhance this further by providing in-depth knowledge direct from specialists and allowing for open discussion and support from other learners. 

The Aviva Development Zone contains a combination of tools to deliver, track, and manage learning. To explore how micro-learning can help your firm, visit: https://www.mydevelopment.zone for a free 14-day trial.

For a macro-learning solution, our partner Searchlight Insurance Training provides face-to-face courses and online learning workshops with range of technical and general insurance specialists. For more information, visit: (searchlightsolutions.co.uk)