Self-directed learning in medical education and its implementation in medical schools

Abstract

The delivery of medical education is a complex process, wherein we aim toward not only the acquisition of desired knowledge and skills, but also creating a system and cadre of healthcare personnel who possess the traits of being professional, leader, team-worker, and a lifelong learner. Self-directed learning (SDL) has been regarded as an important aspect of lifelong learning and is one of the core competencies expected of a medical graduate. Most of the regulatory bodies across the globe strongly advocate for the inclusion of SDL activities within the medical school curriculum. The overall process of implementation and faculty training can be supervised by the Medical Education Unit of the institution, along with the members of the Curriculum Committee and phase-wise faculty members. In conclusion, SDL is an essential attribute to ensure lifelong learning among medical students. Considering the wide range of benefits associated with SDL, it is crucial that all the steps are planned and implemented in a systematic manner to enable successful implementation.