Microlearning in the K-12 Classroom: Short Bursts of Instruction for Breakthrough Understanding

Meet microlearning, a powerful instructional approach with roots in online learning that's making the jump to K–12 classrooms.

Think of microlearning as modernized direct instruction—a systematic yet flexible way to present content via connected small bursts that build to complex understandings. Less about "shorter teaching sessions" than about smarter teaching, microlearning aligns with how the brain makes meaning and resonates with today's digital-native learners. It's a new tool for structured teaching that will help them stay focused, support long-term retention, and guide them "micro" step by step toward mastery of essential standards.

In this book for practitioners, instructional coach Tyler Gilbert and bestselling authors and educators Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey introduce microlearning's "brief yet deep" approach and explain why it is so effective. The short, focused chapters mimic the microlearning experience; each features real-world examples, guided reflection, and a self-assessment. You'll learn how to

• Identify focused goals for microlearning sessions and divide complex content into the smaller servings that students can more easily process and teachers can more easily manage.
• Design and implement various kinds of microlearning sessions—from teacher-driven and text-based options to technology-enhanced ones that incorporate scenarios, gamification, and simulations.
• Gather and use feedback from microlearning sessions to improve student performance and refine your instructional design.

At a time when teachers and students are feeling overloaded and disengaged, Microlearning in the K–12 Classroom's practical guidance can support breakthrough understanding for both you and them.

Tyler Gilbert is an instructional coach, keynote speaker, and education consultant. A former elementary teacher, Tyler now partners with schools, leaders, and instructional teams to design learning that is intentional, inclusive, and impact driven. He is the author of Does My Teacher Notice Me? and a co-author of Microlearning in the K–12 Classroom and Coaching for Impact. Tyler is passionate about helping all learners feel seen, heard, and supported to fulfill their true potential.

Douglas Fisher is a professor of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High in San Diego, California. Formerly an intervention teacher and elementary school educator, he was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame in 2022. Doug has authored numerous articles on leadership, reading and literacy, and curriculum design along with books such as Microlearning in the K–12 Classroom, Better Learning Through Structured Teaching, and All Learning Is Social and Emotional.

Nancy Frey is a professor of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High in San Diego, California. She is a credentialed special educator, reading specialist, and administrator in California. Nancy has authored numerous articles on leadership, reading and literacy, and curriculum design as well as books such as Microlearning in the K–12 Classroom, Student Learning Communities, and Your Students, My Students, Our Students.