arrow_back

A complete guide on how to create an effective spaced learning in 2024

December 5, 2024

  •  

Kate Udalova

Get the best strategies for creating a successful spaced learning campaign in 2024 with 7taps microlearning app. Boost employee engagement with this guide.
A complete guide on how to create an effective spaced learning in 2024

7taps Microlearning platform offers a powerful way to create engaging, snackable learning experiences grounded in cognitive science. This guide will walk you through creating a spaced learning path, focusing on maximizing knowledge transfer and learner confidence, while grounding our recommendations in real, peer-reviewed research.

"As a huge advocate for spaced learning, I've spent countless hours on calls with our clients, sharing what I know, learning about their challenges, and helping to improve their campaigns. Recently, a few folks asked if I could put together a sample of a spaced microlearning campaign and explain how I did it. I thought it was a great idea, so here we are!

I've created a three-part course series:

1. Mastering the spacing effect with strategic repetition

2. Mastering spaced learning intervals for complex skills

3. Mastering effective recall strategies in spaced learning

In this article, I'll break down how I built this campaign and share insights on creating your own effective learning paths."

1. Plan your spaced learning path

In a spaced learning campaign, a solid plan means the difference between a random pile of facts and a coherent skill-building journey. It's about connecting the dots before your learners even see the picture.

What's your end game? A team that can troubleshoot like pros? Managers who can motivate in their sleep? Your plan is the GPS that'll get you there.

  • Define clear objectives for each module
  • Break complex topics into smaller, connected pieces
  • Plan a mix of "tell" and "do" elements

Example: In our sample path, we've got three courses:

  1. Mastering the spacing effect
  2. Spaced learning intervals for complex skills
  3. Mastering effective recall strategies

Each builds on the last, creating a cohesive learning journey.

2. Structure your micro modules

A well-structured microlearning module guides your learners from curiosity to comprehension, keeping them engaged every step of the way. It's the difference between a forgettable info-snack and a memorable learning feast.

Think of each module as a mini-story, creating a learning rhythm that resonates with how our brains actually process and retain information.

  • Start with an eye-catching title card
  • Hook 'em with a key insight or intriguing fact
  • Alternate between info delivery and interactive elements 
  • Use role-play scenarios to show real-world applications
  • End with a recap or teaser for what's next to reinforce key points and maintain interest across modules

Example: In the "Mastering the spacing effect" module, we start with a title card, then dive into a key insight about how spaced repetitions can dramatically reduce training time. We follow this with a mix of information cards and interactive elements, including a role-play scenario with a skeptical manager.

3. Sprinkle in spaced learning and interleaving

Imagine your 7taps modules as a garden. Spaced learning is like giving your plants just the right amount of water regularly, rather than flooding them all at once. Interleaving is like planting complementary species together, fostering a rich ecosystem of knowledge.

This approach encourages learners to see connections between ideas, apply their knowledge in diverse situations, and maintain a lasting grasp of the material.

  • Revisit key concepts across modules
  • Mix related skills within sessions to improve discrimination between concepts and enhance flexible thinking.
  • Gradually increase time between reinforcement sessions

💡 Bjork and Bjork's (2011) desirable difficulties framework suggests that interleaving, while making learning feel more difficult, leads to better long-term outcomes. 

Example: In our sample path, we introduce the interleaving technique in action when presenting stakeholder communication tips.

4. Design for confidence building

When we spread out learning over time, it's easy for learners to feel a bit wobbly - like they're not making progress as quickly as they would in a traditional cram session. That's where smart confidence-building comes in.

By weaving confidence boosters throughout your 7taps modules, you're not just making learners feel good (though that's a nice bonus). You're actually turbocharging the effectiveness of your spaced learning approach. How? Well, confident learners are more likely to stick with the program, engage deeply with the material, and apply what they've learned in real-world situations.

  • Start easy and gradually ramp up difficulty - this approach builds learners' confidence and maintains their motivation, aligning with Bandura's (1977) self-efficacy theory, which emphasizes that early successes boost confidence and persistence.
  • Give immediate feedback on quizzes and exercises to correct misconceptions on the spot and reinforce correct knowledge.
  • Use encouraging language, even for wrong answers, to maintain their motivation and foster a growth mindset.

Example: In our sample path, we generously share feedback and possible solutions, ensuring a clear understanding of the theoretical concepts.

5. Create a cohesive experience

Creating cohesion isn't just about looking polished. It's about building a narrative that sticks. It's about crafting connections that make complex ideas click. Have you ever binge-watched a great TV series? That "just one more episode" feeling? That's what we're aiming for with your 7taps path. Each module should leave your learners hungry for the next, all while reinforcing what came before.

Craft a consistent visual identity across modules

Example: Our sample path uses a consistent color scheme and minimalist illustrations throughout, creating a unified visual experience.

Develop a narrative thread

Each should build on the last, creating an "aha!" moment when it all comes together. Use callbacks to previous modules and foreshadowing of what's to come.

Example: Notice how our path starts with the basics of the spacing effect, then builds to complex skills, and finally ties it all together with recall strategies? That's narrative cohesion in action.

Create a consistent voice

Whether you're going for "wise mentor" or "encouraging friend," keep your tone consistent.

Example: Our sample path maintains a friendly, conversational tone throughout, using phrases like "Picture this:" and "Ready to hear their perspective?" to engage learners consistently.

Use recurring elements

It could be a mascot character, a particular type of challenge, or a reflection prompt. These familiar touchpoints create a sense of continuity.

Example: In each module of our sample path, you'll meet a manager and an 'advisor' engaged in a dialogue. This recurring scenario not only creates consistency but also provides a relatable context for applying new concepts.

Link concepts across modules

Example: The third module on recall strategies directly references the spacing effect introduced in the first module, tying the entire path together.

Bonus: Writing tips for microlearning magic

Now, let's talk about how to write content that packs a punch in a small package:

  1. Keep it snappy: one main idea per card, short sentences, clear over clever.
  2. Talk directly to your learner, use "you" and active voice. 
  3. Use images that add value, not just pretty pictures.
  4. Craft catchy titles: questions work great, so do intriguing statements.
  5. Make it scannable: bullet points, subheadings for longer bits.
  6. Frame questions to make people think, not just remember.
  7. Imagine you're explaining it to a friend over coffee.
  8. Mobile-friendly is a must: front-load important info, short paragraphs.
  9. Give a clear next step or application task.
  10. Polish, polish, polish: read it aloud, get feedback, iterate.

More resources

Explore the following articles to enhance your learning journey.

Wrapping it all up with spaced learning: here’s what we achieve as a result.

Let's take one last look at the learning path we used as an example, which beautifully demonstrates our key principles in action:

  1. Mastering the spacing effect with strategic repetition
  2. Mastering spaced learning intervals for complex skills
  3. Mastering effective recall strategies in spaced learning

This path takes learners on a journey from understanding the basic concept of the spacing effect, through applying it to complex skills, and finally mastering recall strategies. It's a perfect example of how to build a cohesive, engaging, and effective learning experience using the principles we've discussed.

So, armed with these insights and inspired by our sample path, it's time to unleash your creativity in 7taps. Whether you're tackling complex leadership skills, compliance training, or onboarding new team members, you now have the tool to create learning experiences that are not just informative, but transformative.

And remember, every great spaced learning path starts with a single step — or in our case, a single tap!

You may also like
No items found.
Create your first
mini-course in 15 minutes
Sign up free east