Learning Nuggets: The knowledge snack for in between

These days, professional diaries are usually packed to the brim and new emails are constantly fluttering into the inbox. There is often not enough time to complete a training course lasting several hours. In addition, there is the constant overstimulation of advertising, social media platforms, appointments, requests from colleagues and, and, and.

It is therefore more important than ever to impart knowledge efficiently and compactly. This is where learning nuggets come into play. These short, concise learning units offer exactly that: knowledge snacks for in-between, which can be perfectly integrated into hectic everyday life. This article explains what exactly learning nuggets are and why they are such an effective way for companies to provide further training.

Definition: What are learning nuggets?

Learning nuggets are short learning units that only last a few minutes and precisely convey knowledge on a specific topic. These microlearning modules are easy to consume and efficient because they present information in a concentrated and appealing form. Learners can also use them on different devices, even on the go on their smartphone, and are therefore not tied to a specific learning location.

Learning nuggets are based on the didactic concept of microlearning. The learning content is provided in small portions that learners can consume easily, regardless of time and place. Learning nuggets are therefore particularly suitable for e-learning and enable self-determined and independent learning.  

What makes Learning Nuggets special?

Above all, their short learning time: the learning snacks take less than 15 minutes. The best conditions for learning, especially in times of generally decreasing attention spans. The focus is on one topic per learning nugget. They are therefore ideal for learning new things in between, e.g. between two meetings.

Multimedia: In which formats are learning nuggets available?

Learning Nuggets are available in many interactive multimedia formats, e.g. as

• Videos,

• Audios,

• Worksheets,

• Infographics,

• Animations,

• Quizzes or

• Mini games with gamification elements.

The learning nuggets are also based on popular social media formats whose content is simple, appealing and therefore pleasant to consume . They are therefore also referred to as "snackable content" - a small portion of knowledge, perfect for satisfying a hunger for knowledge in between meals and easy to digest. They convey the most important information in a short space of time.

Advantages of learning nuggets

This is how employees and companies benefit from learning with Learning Nuggets:

• Memorize knowledge better: Due to the brevity of the format, learning nuggets do not contain any superfluous information. This allows learners to concentrate on the essentials of a topic. In addition, the facts are presented in an exciting, interactive or interesting way - ideally all of the above - and are therefore easier to remember.

• Short attention span: brevity is the spice of life. Learning nuggets deliver knowledge to the point and do not require long periods of concentration.

• Greater motivation: Playful elements such as quizzes, polls etc. capture attention and make learning easier and more fun. Small rewards and feedback also contribute to motivation.

• Self-directed learning: learners simply integrate the learning nuggets flexibly into their daily routine. They learn at the "moment of need": at the time, in the place and on the device that suits them.  

• Simply add new content: The effort required to create a new learning nugget is manageable. Companies can add new topics quickly and easily.

What kind of content are learning nuggets suitable for and what are they not suitable for?  

Learning nuggets are multi-talented. They are suitable for refreshing knowledge, for soft skill topics, technical training such as product launches and much more. However, there is one "but": as each learning nugget only covers one complete topic, very complex, in-depth topics can hardly be covered in one nugget. In these cases, several nuggets can be linked together, for example. Learning nuggets are also suitable for blended learning and can be combined with other learning methods.

Examples of learning nuggets

How can learning nuggets be used in the company in a targeted manner? For example, in management development. Because as individual as the team members, topics and experience levels of managers are, so too is their need for further training. In addition, managers are often confronted with new challenges, which requires flexible and quickly available new learning content.  

Companies can meet these requirements with Learning Nuggets. Depending on requirements, learning designers develop precise, tailor-made Development Programs for managers. They can combine the nuggets to create new learning modules or use them to supplement existing learning programs. This is because the learning nuggets can be flexibly combined and enable new learning scenarios that can be quickly adapted to changing requirements as needed. In addition, purchased, ready-made elements support the didactic quality of the learning paths. The Haufe Akademie offers the Leadership Kit, a library of high-quality learning nuggets for leadership. In the case study, you can find out how "WIRmachenDRUCK" successfully uses the learning nuggets in personnel development.