Introducing Micro-Quizzing: The Future of Knowledge Assessments

Corporate training often ends with a big test to see if the training worked.

However, at Engagify, we've learned that using short quizzes throughout the training is a better way to help people remember and use what they've learned.

Traditional final exams might show that people know the material, but they don't guarantee that people can actually do anything better because of it.

And by the time Monday rolls around, most of what was learned is already forgotten.

The science shows that short quizzes, given regularly, help people practice and remember better. These quizzes check if people understand the material right when they're learning it, instead of trying to remember stuff that's already slipping away. They also make people less scared of tests because the stakes aren't so high, which means they can show what they really know.

These (micro) quizzes are more like real work, where you have to use bits of what you know all at once. They help people think on their feet by giving them quick scenarios to respond to. They also let trainers see where people are getting stuck or confused, so they can clear things up right away. This keeps everyone on track and makes the training better.

Here are some ways short quizzes can be used:

• Leadership courses can have quizzes that present tough decisions to see how well people understand what to do.
• Product training might ask people to choose what they'd suggest to different types of customers.
• Compliance training can include quick checks to make sure everyone understands the rules.
• Sales training can use quick quizzes to help people get better at picking up on customer signals before they try selling for real.

These mini-tests make people feel good about the small steps they're taking toward getting better at something. They show progress, which keeps people motivated to keep learning and getting better for the sake of their work.

This approach is very different from traditional training that ends with one big, scary test. That kind of pressure can make people less interested in learning.

In short, using short quizzes throughout training fits with what we know about how people learn best.

This includes practicing over time, being asked to remember things (which helps the brain keep them longer), mixing up topics to keep thinking flexible, and giving feedback to help fill in any knowledge gaps.

Looking ahead, the best way to see how well training is working will be to use these ongoing, supportive quizzes instead of waiting until the end to test everything all at once. This way of testing helps keep everyone excited about learning and doing better at their jobs.

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References:

Short quizzes given regularly, also known as "retrieval practice" or "the testing effect," help people practice and remember information better. This approach is grounded in cognitive psychology and educational research. Several key findings support this:

1. Enhanced Memory Retention: Regular testing or quizzing prompts individuals to recall information, enhancing memory retention through a process known as retrieval practice. The act of retrieving information strengthens memory and facilitates long-term retention.
2. Improved Learning: Studies have shown that incorporating frequent quizzes into learning activities leads to better overall learning outcomes compared to methods that rely solely on study or review. This is because quizzes force learners to actively engage with the material, rather than passively reading or listening.
3. Reduction in Test Anxiety: Frequent, low-stakes quizzes can also help reduce test anxiety, as students become accustomed to the format and pressure of being tested. This regular exposure can make high-stakes testing situations feel more manageable.
4. Feedback for Students and Instructors: Regular quizzing provides immediate feedback to students about their understanding, allowing them to identify areas of weakness. It also gives instructors valuable insights into where students may be struggling, enabling timely intervention and support.
5. Spaced Repetition: Incorporating quizzes over spaced intervals (spaced repetition) leverages another well-documented phenomenon in psychology that improves memory retention. Spacing out quizzes over time allows for memory consolidation and makes learning more durable.
6. Metacognitive Benefits: Regular quizzes help learners develop metacognitive skills by forcing them to judge how well they know the material. This self-assessment encourages more effective study strategies and learning.

Research supporting these benefits can be found in educational psychology literature, including studies by researchers such as Roediger and Karpicke, who have conducted seminal work on the testing effect. Their research, along with many other studies, provides robust evidence for the efficacy of regular, short quizzes as a tool for enhancing learning and memory retention.