When I graduated from college in 2018, I set myself an insane goal: to pass all four CPA exams by the end of summer. My friends said it was a recipe for burnout, but I managed to accomplish it by embracing a method that balanced focus with relaxation—microlearning.
Microlearning is an approach that involves breaking down complex information into bite-sized, easily digestible pieces. Rather than cramming Becker materials for hours, I set up focused sessions that fit into my daily routine. This strategy helped me pass the CPA exams with scores of 92 on AUD, 96 on BEC, 96 on FAR, and 93 on REG, in just 75 days.
My microlearning approach
Instead of opting for traditional, marathon-style study sessions, I adopted a more dynamic yet disciplined approach. Each day I had two main study sessions: one in the morning and one in the evening. This split allowed me to maximize focus while keeping my energy levels up. In the afternoons, I forced myself to go out, socialize, explore the city, or chill at coffee shops. I also took the weekends off. These breaks were very important, and you shouldn’t attempt to skip them—they helped clear my mind, reduce stress, and ultimately improve retention.
For each study session, I used the Pomodoro Technique, breaking a three-hour session down into six rounds of 20 minutes of focused study followed by a 10-minute break. During these 10-minute breaks, I would get up, walk around, make coffee, or even open an Amazon package. These small activities helped me reset, keeping my mind clear and ready to absorb more information in the next session.
If you have been doing the math, you’ll realize I only studied for about four hours a day (subtracting the breaks). But here’s the thing: I made sure I was hyper focused, and every one of those four hours counted.
The runner’s mindset
I figured out this approach thanks to my experience as a long-distance runner. When I’m getting ready for an 18-mile run, I don’t (and physically can’t) think of it as one long, grueling haul. I’d break it down into smaller increments—running 2 miles at a time until I’ve covered the distance. This mindset trick works because our brain can feel overwhelmed by a three-hour run or study session. However, when broken down into smaller, more manageable parts, it immediately becomes much less intimidating—even though the total time commitment is essentially the same.
The science behind microlearning
The effectiveness of my study strategy aligns closely with the principles of microlearning, which is based on the Hermann Ebbinghaus forgetting curve. The curve shows that people lose 80% of what they learn within a month if it's not revisited regularly. Microlearning would help you break content into small pieces and frequently recalling different parts over time, which is crucial for memory retention and productivity.
Implementing microlearning in your routine
If you’re preparing for an exam, taking a course, or learning a new skill, consider incorporating microlearning techniques. Here are some tips:
- Break It Down: Divvy up your study material into small portions that can be completed in 15-20 minutes.
- Schedule Short Sessions: Plan 2-3 sessions throughout the day instead of long, exhausting ones.
- Use Breaks Wisely: During breaks, go for light activities and refresh your mind—you can stretch, take a walk, play with your dog, or listen to music. Do not stay at your desk.
- Repeat: Revisit the same material multiple times, especially the content you tend to forget, to reinforce learning and memory.
Much like running, studying is about finding your rhythm and breaking down what seems impossible into manageable steps. Microlearning has revolutionized my approach to studying and could do the same for you. Whether you’re studying for an exam or taking up any other challenge, give microlearning a try. It’s a game-changer—and who knows, it might just make your journey a little more fun.
Comments