Microlearning: The Ultimate Hack Of Learning A New Language

Let’s face it, learning a new language can be a totally tiring chore. It’s like this never-ending task of homework that gets overwhelming at the end of the day. You take lessons after lessons, but still, you are left wondering and wondering when will you ever be fluent enough to make conversations with strangers.

Sadly, these feelings of dismay can very much affect your motivation and focus. And you definitely don’t want any of that, because this will only hinder your progress. However, there is one thing you can do to avoid bad juju when it comes to your language studies. This learning technique is known as microlearning.

Microlearning (mini learning, nanolearning, or knowledge nuggets) refers to the learning method in which learners are given bite-sized and practical lessons to support their learning goals. Think of microlearning as this short and sweet lesson that focuses on “what you need to know” instead of emphasizing the unnecessary trappings of your study.

Applying microlearning to your language study makes learning easier, more digestible, and less stressful. That is because the courses are designed to be more interactive and engaging for the learner. This modern way of learning requires only 5-15 minutes of your time, so you won't have trouble concentrating.

Microlearning consists of short language activities such as reading short stories, matching word games (quizzes and such), and watching videos. When you use Beelinguapp to learn a new language, you engage in a microlearning-based lesson using immersion reading. You can read and listen to audiobooks about different topics like The Secret Lives of Koalas, The Science Behind Astrology, Hayao Miyazaki, Creator of Studio Ghibli, and other stories using a phone or tablet anywhere you go for as little as 15 minutes.

     With immersion reading, you are acquiring the language naturally by reading and
     listening to stories you love, instead of memorizing boring grammar rules. Don’t get me
     wrong, mastering grammar rules is crucial, but acquiring a second language requires a
     series of meaningful interactions, which can be achieved through microlearning. With
     Beelinguapp, you can read and listen to any story of your choice in your target
     language. It’s like an ASMR language class that you can do wherever and whenever.

Examples of Microlearning

1. Explainer and interactive videos, video lectures, animations
   These are short and compelling videos that center on a specific topic
2. Games and challenges
   Entertaining games help learners add meaning and retain information using gamification
3. Infographics
   Visual representations make the content you need to study easier to understand

Benefits of Microlearning

1. Focus on learning
   Enables students to learn the material in a more targeted and effective way
2. Accessible and Less time consuming
   Allows you to access a diverse set of language lessons using a mobile device of choice
3. Better learning results
   Learners are offered action-oriented lessons to help them practice what they are learning in a more casual way
4. Improve learning retention
   Bite-sized lessons that focus on specific themes promote deeper learning

Giphy / Abitan

Still wondering how to learn a new language? Simple: start slow, engage in meaningful language activities, and have fun. Your language studies should be tailored to meet your goals exposing you to lessons that are useful and practical. If you have 5 or 15 minutes to spare, try reading the news or some interesting stories like Franz Liszt, the First Rockstar and The Secrets of Marie Antoinette in your target language with Beelinguapp.