The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Level of the Undergraduate Students of Midwife and Nurse in Terms of Sustainability in Nursing and Midwifery Education

Abstract

Self-directed learning is a necessary skill for students and workers to remain lifelong learners. Being self-directed in learning allows nurses to stay elastic, open to change and sustain their, professional development. The aim of this study was to determine the level of self-directed learning readiness of undergraduate students of nursing and midwifery. This study also investigated whether there were associations between the level of self-directed learning readiness and selected demographic variables such as gender, department, academic level and monthly income in the undergraduate students. Quantitative research method was used in this research. A total of 398 students participated in this survey conducted at the Faculty of Health Sciences of University of Amasya. The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) that was developed by Fisher et al., was used. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics, Kruskal Wallis H test and Mann Whitney U test were applied. In this study, it was revealed that nursing and midwifery students had relatively high self-directed learning readiness. However, students received the lowest score for the self-management dimension, which indicates that students need support in self-management skills. As a result of the Mann Whitney U test, it was put forward that there were statistically significant differences in level of self-directed learning readiness based on gender and department. As a result of the Kruskal Wallis H test, it was found that there was no difference in level of self-directed learning readiness based on monthly income variable.