Conceptions of Self-Directed Learning of Social Studies Teachers in Singapore

Abstract

The meaning of self-directed learning varies within different professions and amongst companies. In some companies, self-directed learning consists of tightly circumscribed activities, which are programmed for the employees. The purpose is for interested employees to develop professionally while at work. In others, it is up to the employees to decide what they need to learn what they would like to learn and how they would like to learn at their workplace. In this case, the meanings of self- directed learning and the ways the employees practise self-directed learning vary within the same company and work environment. This study is an attempt to investigate how social studies teachers in Singapore learn at their workplace, a school environment, which is very different from the environment of the private company. Twenty-one primary school teachers currently teaching social studies were interviewed to find out their understandings and their practices of self-directed learning at work. Analysis of the interviews revealed seven variations in their conceptions of self-directed learning.