Microlearning to Promote Math Talk

Microlearning, according to Andriotis (2016, as cited in Gherman et al., 2021), as opposed to macrolearning, which involves “content-heavy” learning, is receiving eLearning content in brief, easy-to-understand segments, and focuses on on-demand skill development (Paul, 2016, as cited in Zhang and West, 2019). Hug, et al. (2007, as cited in Gherman et al., 2021) and Hug (2005, as cited in Gherman et al., 2021) expand on this by stating that effective learning occurs through bite-sized activities and achievable short-term objectives. 

Despite the fact that microlearning was introduced in the early 1960’s, it became prominent in the 1990’s and 2000’s with the rise of technology and the Covid 19 pandemic. Gherman, et al. (2021) describe the dual challenge of technological evolution and societal transformation that higher education is faced with as a reaction to the expectations Generation Z (a.k.a. Gen Z) learners have and the shift to microlearning in response to said expectations. Microlearning facilitates expanded learning choices, allowing students to learn at their own pace and in their preferred manner, which, according to Gherman, et al. (2021) studies have shown to have had a positive outcome. 

By offering microlearning lessons to educators to implement in their classrooms to promote math talk, they can quickly see and practice a variety of methods to engage their students in rich math conversations. Microlearning to Promote Math Talk can be implemented in an on-stie or virtual classroom environment. Applications and sites such as Pear Deck, Padlet, Jamboard, and breakout rooms are perfect for virtual student collaboration. Activities such as a Jigsaw or Gallery Walk are ideal for encouraging learners to participate in a collaborative setting and take ownership in their learning. 

View the entire Training Plan and Agenda HERE

Check out these resources: Padlet, Pear Deck, Jigsaw, Gallery Walk 

References 

Gherman, O., Turcu, C. E., & Turcu, C. O. (2022). An Approach to Adaptive Microlearning in Higher Education. 

Padlet. (n.d.). Visual collaboration for creative work and education. https://padlet.com/ 

Pear Deck. (n.d.). The only platform that supports every instructional step in any topic. https://www.peardeck.com/ 

Reading Rockets. (2025). Classroom strategies: Jigsaw. https://www.readingrockets.org/classroom/classroom-strategies/jigsaw 

The Teacher Toolkit. (n.d.). Gallery walk. https://www.theteachertoolkit.com/index.php/tool/gallery-walk 

Zhang, J., & West, R. E. (2020). Designing microlearning instruction for professional development through a competency based approach. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 64(2), 310–318. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-019-00449-4