Difference in Characteristics of Self-Directed Learning Readiness in Students Participating in Learning Communities

Abstract

This study aims to conduct an analysis of characteristics of students who participate in learning communities, and to observe how this influences the improvement of their self directed learning ability. The subjects of this study were 239 university students participating in the learning community program, and increased self-directed learning ability levels were analyzed based on questionnaires completed before and after the program. According to the results, there was a significant increase in self-directed learning ability of students that participated in study groups. In particular, the reason for the increase found in the sub-factors, “Commitment and Persistency”, “Interest and Enthusiasm”, “Ability To Be Aware Of Lead Roles”. The results show female students more than male students, sophomore students more than freshman, humanities and liberal arts students more than creative arts students increased their self-directed learning readiness.