Perceptions Of Self-directed Learning Research Articles

Investigating students’ perceptions of self-directed learning in mathematics at the basic school level

Self-directed learning (SDL) is an educational approach, where individuals take initiative and responsibility for their own learning, choosing what, how, and when to learn. It is assumed that SDL empowers students to tailor their educational experiences to personal interests and pace of learning, fostering autonomy and lifelong learning habits. This study aims to investigate on students’ attitudes toward SDL in mathematics at basic school level using quantitative research design (survey). The data were collected from students using SDL attitude scale. Total papulation of the survey consists of students from six publics and eight private schools, out of which students from two purposefully selected schools from each category for the sample. From the four school, 120 students were selected. Attitudes towards SDL in mathematics scale developed by the researchers were applied to collect the data and were analyzed using SPSS version26 based on the research questions. The study revealed that students had negative attitude toward self-management, self-monitoring and self-motivation as required for SDL in mathematics at basic level school. Moreover, there is no significant difference in student’s attitudes toward SDL in mathematics between public and private school, and between male and female students. The result shows that student’s attitude towards SDL changes positively as they participated in different teaching learning techniques applied for engaging them in learning such as KWL, jigsaw, reciprocal teaching, think-share-pair, and cooperative, and collaborative instruction. This implies that negative attitude towards a pedagogical approach does not mean that students pay less attention to the approach but changes when applied appropriately.<i> </i>

Learners’ Perceptions of Self-directed Learning Using Self-reading and a Reading Journal in College General English Classes

his study aims to examine learners’ perceptions of self-directed learning for self-reading and reading journal writing in college general English classes. 105 first-year students from the Design College and Art College freely selected and read their texts according to their major and interests over the course of 12 weeks, and participated in the survey in the 15th week. The results showed that 76.93% of the students recognized that self-reading helped them learn English greatly or at least to some extent. The biggest difficulty in self-reading was that it was hard for students to interpret English by themselves. 77% answered that writing a reading journal was helpful in learning English, and students had the most difficulty writing English on their own. Such activities were found to be the most helpful in improving students' reading ability. 85% preferred self-directed learning consisting of self-reading and reading journal writing, and the main reason stated was that they were able to freely choose what they wanted to read, thus making the reading more interesting for them. Such a class might increase students' motivation and confidence by encouraging their active and interested participation in the class and further it can serve as the basis for students to continue independent and self-directed English learning after class. In the educational situation where learner-centered instruction is emphasized, this study suggests that self-directed learning for self-reading and reading journal writing can be combined properly with the conventional method using textbooks depending on learners’ proficiency levels in college general English classes.

Computer science and engineering students’ self-directed learning strategies and satisfaction with online learning

There is an increasing need for computer science and engineering (CSE) online education. This study examined CSE online learners’ perceptions of self-directed learning (SDL) readiness, strategies, and satisfaction. The researchers surveyed 225 students and conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 online CSE students. The quantitative survey data and the qualitative interview data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively. The findings were as follows: (1) Both extrinsic motivation strategies (e.g., future career development, building a learning routine) and intrinsic motivation strategies (e.g., interest in learning) were utilized; (2) Diverse metacognition strategies (e.g., assignments, quizzes, and tests, discussing with peers, tracking progress, staying in touch with professors and teaching assistants) and cognitive strategies (e.g., watching recorded lectures, taking notes, reading books, seeking out information) were used to monitor learning; (3) Time-management (e.g., priority, checklist, fixed schedule, time-block for study) and resource management strategies (e.g., focused on lectures, textbook reading) were leveraged; (4) Specific designs or instruction promoted students’ SDL skills, such as access to documented learning materials, reminders sent from instructors, availability of the instructor, group interaction, and flexibility, and (5) Student satisfaction depended on the design of the course. The advantages and disadvantages of online learning were identified. The findings indicated that the instruction strategies and online course design are critical for CSE students’ SDL.

Polytechnic Students’ Perspectives of a Blended Problem-Based Learning Approach in Singapore

Blended learning has become an integral component of the curriculum in institutes of higher learning (IHL) worldwide. Problem-based Learning (PBL) is a constructivistic learning approach that can facilitate the development of 21st-century competencies such as self-directed learning (SDL) and collaborative learning (CL). This study investigated if there are any differences in Polytechnic students’ perceptions of self-directed learning and collaborative learning between the blended PBL design and the face-to-face PBL design in terms of self-directed learning and collaborative learning in Singapore. The study adopted a quasi-experimental approach, with 56 student participants completing a 36-item validated pre/post survey instrument (MSDLCL). Statistical analyses suggested that in both PBL approaches, students’ perceptions of self-directed learning with technology and collaborative learning increased significantly. Focus group discussion results suggested that while students were motivated to complete the assigned PBL tasks, they preferred to conduct collaborative learning activities in person and work on self-directed learning activities online.

Perceptions of Self-Directed Learning among Nursing Students at Private Nursing Institutes in Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Nursing is a profession where theory and skills runs vice-versa but advancement and new technology increasing challenges for professionals, to update their-selves for which they required to use self-directed learning (SDL). The SDL has become a key concept in nursing education and is considered as an essential as learning of skill for nursing students and nurses to keep them motivated for lifelong learning,
 Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the readiness level of nursing students regarding self-directed learning (SDL) currently studying in the BSN program in private nursing institutes.
 Study Design: 
 Method: This study used the descriptive cross-sectional study design.
 Place and Duration of the Study: Study performed in three institutes of nursing, in Karachi, Pakistan, in duration between May to October 2019.
 Methodology: 384 BS Nursing students of I- IV year were selected by stratified random sampling technique, 203 were females and 181 males participated. Mostly (200) aged between 26-30. The data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire focused on self-directed learning.
 Result: Out of 384, 200 (52%) participants were between 26-30 years of age, 203 (52.8%) were females. The participants were belong from three different institutes and enrolled in BSN with the year I, II, III, IV. The 324 (84.3%) participants showed a high level of SDL, which indicates effective SDL abilities in students. All the sub-categories like awareness, evaluation, interpersonal skills, learning strategies, and learning activities were applied ANOVA; major difference observed in all sub-categories and participants’ age and total score with age group with P-value = .05.
 Conclusion: There is no difference in male and female learning abilities. SDL may enhance confidence and empowerment among students. SDL can be equally beneficial in education and clinical area. To increase SDL, various considerations are required like teacher’s role, involvement in curriculum, and other professional or academic bodies that can bring learner-oriented positive teaching-learning environment; hence effective learning strategies can enhance the use of SDL.

Comparison of primary four students’ perceptions towards self-directed learning and collaborative learning with technology in their English writing lessons

The purpose of this study is to examine Primary school students’ perceptions towards self-directed learning (SDL) and Collaborative learning (CL) with and without the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in English writing lessons in Singapore. There were 408 students participated in this study voluntarily. The results showed that the participants’ perceptions for SDL and CL were positive in both control and ICT-enhanced experimental groups, with means ranged from 3.73 to 3.90 out of a 5-point Likert scale. Both groups’ perceptions for SDL with technology and CL with technology were consistent lower than without technology, ranged from 2.98 to 3.72. MANCOVA was used to compare the difference in perceptions between the control and the experimental groups. The results showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in the perceptions of SDL with technology and CL with technology. The experimental group used a variety of technology tools, such as tablets, online writing assistant tools and online notice boards to facilitate their narrative writings during the 5-week intervention. They have opportunities to develop self-direct learning skills through the online writing assistant tool, they practiced collaborative learning skills through sharing their narratives and providing constructive peer feedback on online notice boards. The results indicated that students in the ICT-enhanced experimental group perceived significantly more positive perceptions towards both SDL with technology and CL with technology. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to sweep across the world, learning activities conducted in this study could be applicable to blended or online English lessons to facilitate the development of students’ Self-directed learning and Collaborative learning skills through the ICT-enhanced learning activities. Some recommendations will be discussed in the paper.

Self-Directed Learning in EFL During Covid-19 Pandemic: Teacher’s Perception and Students’ Learning Autonomy

Due to the global outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), new regulations require students to study from home so that students must be able to study independently. This study aimed to analyze teachers' perceptions of self-directed learning (SDL) and SDL components that can be identified from online learning activities assigned by teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research was designed in the form of embedded mixed-method research. An English teacher at a high school was selected as a participant. Furthermore, data were collected through questionnaires, observations, and classification tables. The results showed that: 1) with a score of 4.00, teachers perceive themselves as "knowledgeable" about SDL knowledge, with a score of 3.57, teachers perceive themselves as "expected" or often carry out learning activities that support SDL, with a score of 3.88, teachers assessing the impact of SDL as “influential” on students, 2) components of SDL reflected through online learning activities assigned by the teacher are “developing a sense of belonging to students in learning” and “developing student self-monitoring” and self-management.” Thus, teachers perceive SDL positively, and there are two components of SDL promoted by teachers' online learning activities.

Self-Directed Learning: A Core Concept in Adult Education

In adult education, the concept of self-directed learning has great importance. This term arose in the field of adult education in the 1970s and is still a widely used term in the field. Annual symposiums have been held by the International Society for Self-Directed Learning since 1986, dedicated to the promotion of self-directed learning. The society also publishes an international journal of self-directed learning. A term of more recent origin is self-regulation, used by some authors sometimes interchangeably with self-direction. This review article focuses on the term self-directed learning, which is the term most frequently used in adult education. Many consider the tendency for self-direction to be a fundamental difference between children and adults in a learning situation. This article deals with some factors that affect the understanding of self-directed learning. At the beginning is given a short case story and an account for different perceptions of self-directed learning. This is followed by a clarification of different aspects of self-directed learning, such as why it is advisable, what affects the tendency to self-directed learning, and if self-direction is essentially innate or learned. The situational aspect is dealt with separately as a relatively self-contained aspect of self-directed learning. The presentation is based on a literature study.

Adult learners’ perceptions of self-directed learning and digital technology usage in continuing professional education: An update for the digital age

Mandatory continuing professional education is accepted across many professions as a re-credentialing mechanism to maintain professional competency. Self-directed learning is a widely recognized type of learning to meet mandatory continuing professional education requirements. The nature and characteristics of self-directed learning has been transformed with the growth in digital and mobile technologies, however there is minimal understanding of the role of these technologies in the self-directed learning habits of adult learners. This study sought to explore the perspectives of adult learners around the effect of digital and mobile technologies on continuing professional education activities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 55 adult learners from four professional groups (9 physicians; 20 nurses; 4 pharmacists; 22 social workers). Key thematic categories included perceptions of self-directed learning, self-directed learning resources, key triggers, and barriers to undertaking self-directed learning. Digital and mobile technologies emerged as important resources supporting the self-directed learning of health and human services professionals. Increasing usage and dependency on these technologies has important implications for organizational and workplace policies that can support effective self-directed learning processes in a digital age. A conceptual model is introduced to characterize the key factors defining the self-directed learning patterns and practices of adult learners in a digital age.

Self-directed learning: Status of final-year students and perceptions of selected faculty leadership in a Nigerian medical school – a mixed analysis study

Background. Self-directed learning (SDL) is the essential mechanism of lifelong learning, which, in turn, is required for medical professionals to maintain competency because of advancing technology and constantly evolving disease care and contexts. Yet, most Nigerian medical schools do not actively promote SDL skills for medical students. Objective. To evaluate the status of SDL behaviour among final-year students, and the perceptions of faculty leadership towards SDL in a Nigerian medical school. Methods. A mixed research method was used, with a survey consisting of a validated Likert-based self-rating scale for SDL (SRSSDL) to assess students’ SDL behaviour. Focus group discussions with selected faculty leaders were thematically analysed to assess their perceptions of SDL. Results. The medical students reported moderate SDL behaviour, contrary to faculty, who considered their students’ SDL behaviour to be low. Faculty leadership further defined SDL as the self-motivated student demonstrating initiative in learning under the guidance of teachers, who use interactive forums for teaching. Furthermore, teachers and students should partner towards the goal of ensuring that student learning takes place. Teachers expressed concerns about SDL methods in medical schools owing to the fear that this will require medical students to teach themselves medicine without expert guidance from teachers. Conclusion. This study suggests that final-year students have a low to moderate level of SDL behaviour. The index faculty are willing to develop teacherguided self-motivated learning for their students, rather than strict SDL. Faculty should be concerned about this behaviour and should encourage SDL in such a way that students realise its benefits to become lifelong learners. Further study of the perceptions about self-regulated learning are recommended.

Motivating students towards self-directed learning

This article examines what motivates students towards self-directed learning (SDL). The results discussed are taken from a larger study examining students’ perceptions of SDL, a concept that is increasingly evident in nurse education. The study focuses on the views of pre-registration students and their tutors. The study was conducted in two phases, firstly using focus groups, followed by a questionnaire to test the views of the focus group participants amongst a wider audience. A total of 12 students and 8 tutors took part in the focus groups, There were 97 student responses to the questionnaire and 18 tutor responses. The results indicated a wide range of motivational factors, with a good level of agreement between the two groups for most factors. The results also highlighted the importance of lectures in motivating students towards SDL. This link between teacher-led activities and the development of independent learners is not readily acknowledged in literature on adult learning. The study also indicated that students need specific guidance and feedback to motivate them towards SDL, which is not consistent with the philosophical basis of SDL and may lead to inconsistency amongst tutors in the facilitation of this process. Implications for practice are discussed within this article.