Blog

How sparks works - self-directed learning with innovative didactics

Reading time: 5 min

In a working world that is constantly changing, organizations are faced with the challenge of making their employees fit for the future. Self-directed learning, microlearning and the development of future skills are essential. But how can professional development be integrated seamlessly and sustainably into everyday working life? With sparks , learning becomes a motivating daily routine that supports both individual and corporate goals.

Share this article

Microlearning: learning in everyday life

Effective learning requires flexibility and practical relevance. This is exactly where sparks comes in: The short learning units, the so-called "sparks", convey compact content that can be applied directly in the next meeting. Dr. Lucia Weiger, Instructional Designer at sparks:

"Microlearning means learning in small, easily digestible units that can be completed in a few minutes"

These small steps not only promote the acquisition of skills, but also make learning a fixed routine in everyday working life. Let's look at professional development like training for a marathon: a one-week training camp will not prepare you as well as a long-term training plan. Repeated training is the key to success.

To create routines, sparks offers various formats such as videos, audios and interactive tasks. In addition, sparks can be used on various devices - whether desktop, tablet or smartphone, there is something suitable for each . This allows employees to choose their preferred way of learning, whether at work or on the go. This flexible approach ensures that learning remains sustainable and can be seamlessly integrated into individual daily routines.

Self-directed learning: motivation through independence

sparks strengthens the personal responsibility of learners. Employees decide for themselves which topics they work on and when and how they learn. This autonomy ensures that training remains motivating and is tailored to individual needs and everyday challenges. Every day, employees receive three personalized suggestions on the dashboard that are ideally suited to their learning history and skill level.

"Learning works best when the users themselves decide what they learn, when they learn and where they learn."

In addition, sparks adapts the content specifically to the requirements of the modern working world. The optimally combined areas of expertise, Smart Guides, equip your teams with the future skills they need to be successful in areas such as AI in business, customer orientation, digital transformation, leadership and hybrid working. This makes training not only individual, but also strategically valuable.

Commitment that goes through the roof

One of the biggest challenges with digital training programs is keeping employees engaged. sparks tackles precisely this challenge: With a well thought-out mix of short, interactive units, regular push notifications and personalized learning recommendations, sparks continuously motivates your employees.

Thanks to the calendar integration, fixed learning times can be integrated directly into everyday life - ideal for establishing long-term routines. Even spontaneous learning needs are covered by sparks : as a companion in your pocket, the microlearning tool is available exactly when support is needed - be it before a meeting or for a new task.

The result? A learning experience that inspires and boosts motivation in the long term, while employees and the company grow together.

Didactic concept: The AVAR principle in practice

sparks is based on the proven, scientifically sound AVAR principle, which structures the learning process and delivers sustainable results. This didactic model ensures that learning not only brings short-term success, but also strengthens skills in the long term.

  1. Activating
    sparks starts with the fact that the learning content is based on the employees' previous knowledge. Practical examples, self-assessments or surprising facts create relevance and arouse interest. An example from sparks: employees in a sales team analyse their previous strategies in an exercise and discover new approaches to optimize their sales processes.
  2. Understanding
    Interactive formats such as videos, quizzes and simulations are used to convey new knowledge in a clear way. Feedback and clearly structured content make it easier to process. As a result, employees not only learn superficially, but also delve deeper into the subject matter.
  3. Apply
    The most important step: new knowledge is transferred directly to practical situations. sparks provides checklists, exercises and scenarios that employees can try out immediately. For example, managers learn how to resolve conflicts in hybrid teams in a simulation.
  4. Reflect
    Through targeted reflection questions and tasks, learners ensure that the content is not only understood, but also anchored in the long term. One example: After a learning session on "Giving feedback", employees reflect on their last feedback discussions and develop improvements for the future.

Concrete advantages for your company

  1. Efficient use of resources:
    Short learning units minimize downtime and maximize practical transfer. The second part of learning, the practical application, always takes place in the next meeting or day-to-day work.
  2. Scalability:
    sparks is suitable for every company and every employee. It can be introduced without a major IT project and is completed within 7 working days. This ensures that future-proof skills are introduced throughout your company.
  3. Strategic training:
    Content is tailored precisely to the requirements of modern companies, such as AI in business, digital transformation, customer focus, hybrid collaboration or lateral leadership. sparks takes care of the selection of topics, you take care of the rest.
  4. Increased motivation:
    The personalized learning experience ensures sustained enjoyment of learning and commitment.

Conclusion: The spark for sustainable further training

sparks is revolutionizing the way companies design professional development. With microlearning and the AVAR principle, sparks offers a future-oriented solution that combines individual and corporate goals. Learning becomes flexible, practical and sustainable - a real asset for any organization.

Use sparks to establish Future Skills throughout your company and provide targeted support for your employees' learning process. Try it out and experience how small steps can lead to big changes.

True to the motto: "Be able to do a little more every day."