Most common learning objectives for people in Germany: personal development and upskilling
The IU Learning Report 2024 demonstrates that people in Germany learn primarily out of intrinsic motivation. This is reflected in their typical learning objectives. The most frequently mentioned learning objective is personal development and upskilling, followed by the strengthening of personal skills and competencies. The joy of learning itself or thirst for knowledge is also mentioned by almost a third as a learning objective.
Respondents also cited deepening knowledge in a specialist area as another learning objective. In contrast, aspects such as career progression and opportunities for advancement play a role in learning for less than a quarter of respondents.
Question: What are your typical learning objectives?
Top 10 answers
Goals are key to establishing a successful learning process. Setting high goals for yourself is important. Kim Cameron calls them “Everest goals,” i.e. goals as high as Mount Everest. Only by setting big goals can we achieve great things. To ensure that the journey towards these goals remains manageable, small stages must be defined with smart, specific, measurable, achievable, result-oriented and timed objectives. We must also consider how the achievement of goals and, therefore, success will be celebrated. This is how we reward ourselves and strive for more.”
Prof. Dr Ulrike Lichtinger
Professor of Social Sciences at IU International University of Applied Science and expert in Positive Education
Focus topic
Positive learning experiences
Every person has their own personal experience when it comes to learning – and not always an entirely positive one. In the IU study, 20.1% of people in Germany stated that they had quite or very negative learning experiences. In contrast, 79.9% had quite or very positive learning experiences.
A slight trend can be seen when comparing the generations: the older the participant, the more likely they view their learning experiences positively. Asked how easy or difficult learning is, the findings are similar across the generations, on average, 65.6% of people in Germany find it quite or very easy to learn.
8 out of 10 people in Germany have positive learning experiences
Question: Looking back at your previous learning experiences, for example at school, during vocational training or during your university studies, how would you rate your previous experiences?
Almost two thirds of people find learning quite or very easy
I find learning in general...
I find learning in general...
Question: What applies most to you?
Practical relevance and sustainability: the most common factors contributing to learning success
People in Germany have various interpretations of learning success. The most frequently cited is learning success means being able to apply what you have learned in practice, understanding what you have learned – and being able to remember it in the long term.
According to some respondents, further characteristics of learning success are when they recognise learning progress (36.2%), overcome challenges and obstacles (32.9%) and learn from mistakes and conclusions (29.6%). 29.0% consider learning a success when they pass an exam according to their expectations.
Learning success is when...
Question: What does learning success mean to you personally?
Top 3 answers
Students and trainees want more practical relevance
Which aspects should be taught during university or vocational training to better prepare students for their professional life? Students and trainees get straight to the point with this question in the IU Learning Report 2024: practice, practice, practice. During their studies or training, they want to see the concrete application of theoretical learning content in the workplace, through practice-oriented teaching content and internships or opportunities to gain professional experience.
Question: Are there any aspects that need to be taught as part of your university studies / vocational training so that you will feel (even) better prepared for your future professional life?
Only respondents who are studying or in training; top 3 answers
People strive to apply that which they have learned. Often, learning content only becomes new knowledge through practical application. Only then does it end up permanently anchored in our brains and develops into new skills. Putting that which you have learned into practice offers a real sense of achievement – the learning was worth it, you see yourself as efficient and can be proud of what you have achieved. This, in turn, motivates you to keep going and strengthens your self-confidence: a type of positive feedback.”
Prof. Dr Ulrike Lichtinger
Professor of Social Sciences at IU International University of Applied Science and expert in Positive Education
Support with learning: Yes. No. From who?
The IU Learning Report 2024 shows that many people in Germany – at least during school, training or university – receive or have received support with their learning. Most often this comes from parents or guardians, but also from classmates, teachers or fellow students. 13.1% of respondents mentioned support through tutoring.
Just over a third say that they do not or did not receive any support during their school years, training or studies. Almost half of these people say they do not or did not need any support.
Almost two thirds of people in Germany are or have been supported with their learning
Question: Did you receive or are you currently receiving support with learning during your schooling / training / studies?
Top 6 answers
Reasons why people do not or did not receive support with learning
Question: Why do you or did you not receive (further) support with learning?
Only respondents who do / did not receive any (further) support with learning; top 5 answers
!
Not everyone gets the learning support they need. Some are unsure of the kind of support that would help or is possible. Others do not have the courage to ask for support.
Support is important to many people in order to achieve their learning objectives and increase their learning success. Here it is important to promote an appealing culture of learning and to impart information about support options clearly and comprehensively.”
Prof. Dr Kristina Schaaff
Professor of Digital Transformation with a focus upon AI at the IU International University of Applied Sciences
