Microlearning to improve the understanding of fundamental concepts in physics and applied mathematics

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63688/emz5ss54

Keywords:

microlearning, physics education, applied mathematics, conceptual understanding, digital learning

Abstract

Microlearning has gained increasing relevance in education due to its ability to organize complex content into short, specific, and accessible learning units. This study aimed to analyze the contribution of microlearning to improving the understanding of fundamental concepts in physics and applied mathematics, according to scientific literature published between 2020 and 2026. An integrative literature review was conducted through a systematic search process based on the identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion stages of PRISMA 2020. The final corpus consisted of 15 academic publications related to micro-lessons, short videos, mobile learning, digital resources, segmented activities, and microlearning strategies applied in mathematics, physics, science, and higher education. The findings were organized into four categories: micro-lessons and content segmentation; mobile microlearning and digital resources; applications in mathematics, physics, and science; and comprehension, performance, satisfaction, and limitations. The results indicate that microlearning can facilitate progressive understanding, content review, flexible access to information, and reinforcement of conceptual and procedural knowledge. However, its effectiveness depends on pedagogical design, the connection between learning units, the characteristics of students, and teacher guidance. It is concluded that microlearning represents a relevant complementary strategy for strengthening the understanding of fundamental concepts in physics and applied mathematics when it is integrated into a coherent and pedagogically structured learning sequence.

References

Aromataris, E., & Munn, Z. (Eds.). (2020). JBI manual for evidence synthesis. JBI. https://doi.org/10.46658/JBIMES-20-01

Astuti, I. A. D., Wibawa, B., & Japar, M. (2025). Case-based optical physics teaching with mobile microlearning integration: Determining student readiness levels. Educational Process: International Journal, 17, e2025408. https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.17.408

Conde-Caballero, D., Castillo, C., Ballesteros-Yáñez, I., & Mariano-Juárez, L. (2024). Microlearning through TikTok in higher education: An evaluation of uses and potentials. Education and Information Technologies, 29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11904-4

Denojean-Mairet, M., López-Pernas, S., Agbo, F. J., & Tedre, M. (2024). A literature review on the integration of microlearning and social media. Smart Learning Environments, 11, Article 46. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00334-5

Gün Sahin, Z., & Kırmızıgül, H. G. (2023). Teaching mathematics through micro-learning in the context of conceptual and procedural knowledge. International Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies, 10(1), 241–260. https://doi.org/10.52380/ijpes.2023.10.1.1009

Haris, D., Syahputra, E., Susiana, S., & Chairunisah, C. (2023). The effectiveness of microlearning to enhance research skills for pre-service mathematics teachers. In The 9th Annual International Seminar on Trends in Science and Science Education (AISTSSE) 2022 (pp. 454–459). FMIPA Universitas Negeri Medan/Sciendo. https://doi.org/10.2478/9788367405195-058

Ismail, I., Jamaluddin, A. B., Arifin, A. N., & Pratiwi, A. C. (2026). The power of practicum in science education: An analysis of the role of practical-based learning on learning satisfaction and deep learning. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 10(1), 270–291. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202641392

Martinho, C., Fernandes, C., & Martins, M. (2023). The use of microlearning as a complement to face-to-face classes to reduce dropout and improve academic success in higher education mathematics. In Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Statistics, Mathematics, Teaching, and Research 2023 (ICSMTR 2023) (pp. 54–59). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-332-0_7

Monib, W. K., Qazi, A., & Apong, R. A. (2025). Microlearning beyond boundaries: A systematic review and a novel framework for improving learning outcomes. Heliyon, 11(2), e41413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41413

Mulenga, E. M., & Marbán, J. M. (2020). Is COVID-19 the gateway for digital learning in mathematics education? Contemporary Educational Technology, 12(2), Article ep269. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/7949

Netzer, C., & Mittelstädt, A. (2021). Incorporating microlearning videos, online exercises and assessments into introductory physics. arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2108.01385

Nurdiyanti, N., Susanto, H., & Zubaidah, S. (2026). Microlearning in university-level science education: A look at its implementation trends, effectiveness, and critical success factors. Cogent Education, 13(1), Article 2658877. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2026.2658877

Nurussaniah, Batita, M. S. R., Setyosari, P., Ulfa, S., Kuswandi, D., & Praherdhiono, H. (2025). Microlearning meets inquiry: A framework for transformative physics educational experiences. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3142, 020067. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0262161

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., McGuinness, L. A., Stewart, L. A., Thomas, J., Tricco, A. C., Welch, V. A., Whiting, P., & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Rof, A., Bikfalvi, A., & Marquès Gou, P. (2024). Exploring learner satisfaction and the effectiveness of microlearning in higher education. The Internet and Higher Education, 62, 100952. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2024.100952

Tang, J., Wijaya, T. T., Weinhandl, R., Houghton, T., Lavicza, Z., & Habibi, A. (2022). Effects of micro-lectures on junior high school students’ achievements and learning satisfaction in mathematics lessons. Mathematics, 10(16), 2973. https://doi.org/10.3390/math10162973

Taylor, A.-D., & Hung, W. (2022). The effects of microlearning: A scoping review. Educational Technology Research and Development, 70(2), 363–395. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-022-10084-1

Toronto, C. E., & Remington, R. (Eds.). (2020). A step-by-step guide to conducting an integrative review. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37504-1

Published

2026-08-17

How to Cite

Alvarez Sánchez, J. J., Tipán Salazar, J. F., Rea Flores, F. I., Velástegui Almeida, C. E., & Machay Catota, A. D. (2026). Microlearning to improve the understanding of fundamental concepts in physics and applied mathematics. Sage Sphere of Technology, Sciences, Discoveries And Society, 4(1), 1-29. https://doi.org/10.63688/emz5ss54