When learning a new language, any technique or method that makes your learning experience easier and more enjoyable is something to keep an eye out for, right? With that in mind, microlearning has gained popularity in recent years as an effective method for acquiring new skills and knowledge. 

Let’s explore the concept and benefits of microlearning and how focus apps can complement it by providing an engaging approach to your language learning.

What is microlearning and what are the benefits of microlearning? 

Microlearning involves breaking down learning materials into small, manageable units. Typically, the content is delivered in bite-sized lessons. This approach contrasts with traditional forms of learning, as it offers learners the flexibility to engage with content in brief, focused sessions. 

The method is exactly the one used here at Coffee Break Languages – a language platform that helps you learn a new language one coffee break at a time, focusing on specific topics to help you improve.

But what about the benefits of microlearning? There are several advantages to this method, but the four main ones are: 

• It helps improve knowledge retention, as it offers concise pieces of information. Microlearning will therefore help you absorb information more effectively
• It helps people learn faster because it offers condensed knowledge so learners cover a wide range of topics in a shorter period. This accelerated learning pace is perfect for people with busy schedules, allowing learners to make steady progress over time.
• It is perfect for individual learning, especially because microlearning can be tailored to personal goals as it allows for a flexible approach;
• It is great if you need flexibility, as you can easily have a quick session on your way to work, during your coffee break, or even when relaxing at home.

What are focus apps and how can they help with microlearning and learning a new language?

Now that you are aware of what microlearning is and the main benefits of microlearning, it is time to understand what focus apps are and how they help with learning languages using this method. 

Focus apps are applications created to enhance concentration and productivity. Alongside taking good notes and other techniques for learning a language efficiently, these apps can help you learn a new language faster as they help minimise distractions and promote focused work sessions. 

They are platforms that use various techniques, such as time-management strategies and gamification, to help people maintain their attention. These apps relate to microlearning because they offer a structured approach to studying that helps people learn faster.

Using them to learn a new language means integrating one of them into your study routine. You can start by setting specific goals and allocating time slots for study sessions using the app, for example.

5 focus apps you might want to try!

There are several apps available, but the Coffee Break team selected five that we think are worth a try to help you focus when reviewing your language notes, dedicating time to language lessons, or any other language-learning task.

If you are part of the Coffee Break Community, you will already be familiar with the benefits of microlearning, but you will also be likely to know how easy it is to get distracted or lose sight of your goals – that is where these focus apps can become invaluable.

Check out these five apps to see if they work for you: 

1. Focus to-do

This app helps you organise your study time using the Pomodoro technique for studying – breaking study sessions into short intervals (typically 25 minutes) separated by brief breaks. It goes hand in hand with microlearning benefits, right?

With this application, you can create reminders, synchronise them with all your devices, and make cloud backups. 

2. Forest

Forest is a very popular focus app that offers the benefits of microlearning by encouraging people to stay focused by planting virtual trees. You can decide to stop using your phone to focus for specific periods, and your trees will grow. At the end of your task, you can see a visual representation of your productivity as you gradually create a forest. 

The time frames on the app are also based on the Pomodoro technique for studying.

3. Focus Dog

Focus Dog combines reminders and challenges to keep you on track with your tasks. With its playful interface, this app adds an element of fun to the learning process, motivating you to stay engaged. Again, this application uses the Pomodoro technique for studying.

4. Focus Plant 

Similar to Forest, Focus Plant helps you have focused work sessions by rewarding you with virtual plants. We love it because you can cultivate your digital garden as you progress through your tasks.

5. Habitica 

Habitica gamifies task management by allowing you to create an avatar, set your own goals, and complete tasks to earn rewards. This app is particularly good for learners who thrive on competition and enjoy a sense of accomplishment, which also relates to some of the benefits of microlearning.

This app is also available for wearable tech, and allows collaboration – if you feel like competing with other language learners from your family or friends. 

6. Keep your streak with Coffee Break TV

Our Coffee Break TV app and web platform is an on-demand library of video lessons, to allow you to practise your language skills in short, focused sessions of just 5, 10 or 15 minutes.

Use the Calendar feature to schedule your learning for the day or the week ahead, or simply browse the library, keep up your streak and work towards gaining badges for consecutive days of microlearning.

Learn a new language with the Coffee Break microlearning method!

At Coffee Break Languages, we focus on the microlearning method, offering bite-sized lessons in 10 different languages. With this technique and the focus apps mentioned before, you can easily start your learning journey and make advancements in no time.

After all, instead of overwhelming you with long lessons and complex grammar rules, we break down your language of interest into manageable chunks, allowing learners to engage with the material in short, focused sessions. 

Coffee Break Languages delivers over 1.9 million lessons every month to learners all over the world, who regularly enjoy the benefits of microlearning in our episodes. Check out what James, one of our Italian learners, had to say: 

“I just discovered Coffee Break Italian and I want to compliment the team for such a fantastic way for me to improve my study of the Italian language. I have used many study aids over the years and it is only Coffee Break Italian that is giving me exactly what I need. Thank you!”

With Coffee Break Languages, you can learn a language at any time, so whether you’re commuting to work, taking a coffee break, or relaxing at home, you can easily squeeze in a quick session. 

Start your language-learning journey today! Visit the Coffee Break Academy, and find out more about the languages and levels taught.