Evaluation of Self-Directed Learning Readiness among Undergraduate Students in an Indian Physical Therapy Institute

Abstract

Self-directed learning (SDL) is an essential element in medical education to foster lifelong learning. Self-directed learning readiness is the extent to which an individual has the attitude, ability, skill and personality characteristics essential for SDL. This study aimed to analyze self-directed learning readiness among physiotherapy students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 288 undergraduate physiotherapy students using Self-Rating Scale of Self-Directed Learning (SRSSDL) to assess self-directed learning readiness. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 21. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. A total 288 participants, 143(49.65%) were in preclinical phase and 145 (50.35%) in clinical phase. Out of 288 physiotherapy students, 60.76% students had moderate level, followed by 37.5% with high level and 1.74% with low level of SDL readiness. The total SRSSDL score was higher in clinical students as compared to preclinical students using independent t test (p=0.000). Also, subscale scores of SRSSDL, awareness (p=0.000), learning strategies (p=0.000), learning activities (p=0.000), evaluation (p=0.000) and interpersonal skills (p=0.04) were higher in clinical students as compared to preclinical students using independent t test. The study showed that physiotherapy students had moderate level of SDL readiness. The SDL readiness was found to be higher in clinical students as compared to preclinical. It will assist the medical educators to incorporate more active learning strategies to enhance SDL skills and help in curriculum development. Keywords: Self-directed learning, physical therapists, medical education, students.