Self-directed Learning Skills Research Articles

Playing to learn: developing self-directed learning skills through serious games

Purpose Higher education is undergoing a significant transformation, demanding a rethinking of instructional methods, the establishment of novel assessment frameworks and the incorporation of state-of-the-art technologies to advance the development of learning competencies. The use of simulations is an alternative that offers satisfactory results and favors learning in new generations. This study aims to present a methodology for assessing the advancement of self-directed learning (SDL) in participants through simulation techniques and show that the incorporation of simulations can improve participants’ SDL skills. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a quantitative approach to evaluate the evolution of various competencies related to SDL among participants. Includes the application of scales specifically designed to measure readiness for SDL, the use of factor analysis to identify and validate essential factors and conducting hypothesis testing to verify shifts in students’ perceptions regarding the significance of SDL-related skills. Findings The findings of this study reveal a positive impact of simulations on the SDL readiness. Factor analysis identified five key factors: self-management skills, openness to learning opportunities, initiative and independence in learning, self-concept as an effective learner and desire for Learning. The use of simulations significantly improved critical thinking, logical reasoning, analysis and decision-making capabilities. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique as a valuable tool for developing SDL skills and highlight the potential of such interventions in complex and uncertain learning environments. Research limitations/implications The study provided valuable insights into the impact of simulations in the logistics field, particularly in the development of SDL-related skills. There is a need for studies in other areas of knowledge that would allow for the generalization of these results. Likewise, it is advisable to use scales that measure the development of other types of skills. Additionally, the study’s focus on short-term effects may not fully capture the long-term development of SDL-related skills. Future research should address these limitations, expand the sample size, conduct longitudinal studies and explore possible contextual and external factors that may influence SDL outcomes in various educational settings, leading to broader and more robust conclusions. Practical implications The practical implications of this study are significant for both higher education institutions and educators in the logistics domain. The positive impact of the serious game on participants’ SDL skills highlights the potential of incorporating interactive and engaging learning tools in the curriculum. Educators can leverage serious games to foster critical thinking, logical reasoning and decision-making abilities in their students. Moreover, the identified key factors influencing SDL development provide valuable guidance for designing targeted interventions to enhance students’ self-management, initiative and love for learning. Social implications The social implications of this study underscore the importance of equipping individuals with SDL skills in a rapidly changing world. By integrating serious games and fostering SDL competencies, higher education institutions can contribute to a more adaptable and resilient workforce. Empowering students with critical thinking, innovative thinking and independent learning, they can enhance their ability to navigate the challenges of the labor market. This, in turn, may lead to a more informed and proactive society capable of addressing complex issues and making well-informed decisions. Originality/value This article arises from empirical exploration with students from two countries in Latin America (Mexico and Colombia), examining the importance of games in developing SDL skills. Furthermore, it promotes the use of a methodology with a low level of complexity, and that can be replicated with different games. This perspective adds valuable insights to the existing literature, offering practical implications for educators and institutions seeking effective strategies to promote SDL skills among students.

Learning to Learn Independently: Guiding Students to Develop Self-Directed Learning Skills During Medical Student Independent Research Projects—Findings from an Australian University

Abstract Introduction Most medical schools offer students the opportunity to conduct independent research projects in order to learn about evidence-based medicine. This study aimed to explore the experience of students, graduates, and supervisors during an independent research project through the lens of self-directed learning. Methods Students and recent graduates were asked to complete an anonymous survey about their experiences. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with a purposeful sample of 11 students, 14 graduates, and 25 supervisors. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted and themes were refined through the lens of self-directed learning. Results Most participants agreed that the independent research project could enable students to develop valuable self-directed learning skills. Participants commented on the importance of the research mentor, faculty support structures, and membership of a research team. Participants who were not well supported described feeling distressed and isolated. Discussion Medical student involvement in independent research projects can develop self-directed learning skills in the presence of a one-to-one mentoring relationship with a research supervisor, structured guidelines and support from the faculty, and membership of a research team. The development of self-directed learning skills should be part of the learning outcomes of any independent student research project.

The Impact of Social Support Systems on EFL Students Self-Directed Learning Skills

The Impact of Social Support Systems on EFL Students Self-Directed Learning Skills

Research Competence of Pre-Service Teachers: A Systematic Literature Review

<p>The importance of research competence in pre-service teacher education has been highlighted in many studies, but concerns over the lack and inconsistency of definition, measurement, and development of research competence still exist. This poses a challenge for pre-service education programmes to provide quality education to pre-service teachers in this area. Through a systematic literature review it was found that there is a gap in the existing literature regarding the definition of research competence in pre-service teacher education, as there seems to be no consensus on the definition. There is, however, an agreement that the development of research competence is an important part of study programmes, as it contributes to higher quality education of pre-service teachers. Addressing this, the review proposes a concise definition of research competence as a multifaceted construct that includes critical thinking, self-directed learning, and organizational skills essential for effective research. The review also highlighted a lack of consensus on the most appropriate frameworks and tools to use in measuring research competence in pre-service teachers, with studies using various frameworks and tools that differ in terms of research methods, instruments and sample characteristics. The results suggest that there is a need for greater attention to be paid to the definition and measurement of research competence, as well as its development within pre-service teacher education programmes.</p>

Problem-Based Learning – An Overview

ABSTRACT The main objective of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is to develop problem-solving skills, collaborative learning skills, self-directed learning skills, communication skills, deeper learning skills, lifelong learning skills, and better retention in the students to equip them better in their professional careers. Unlike the traditional curriculum which is mainly based on didactic lectures, PBL is based on a group of students working on a problem and solving it. PBL is a promising teaching and learning tool that can be adopted in all fields, especially in Medical and Dental curricula.

Do you feel prepared? EFL learners’ readiness for online learning and self-directed learning ability

In recent years, the widespread use of online learning environments and tools, especially with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought students’ readiness for online learning and their ability to manage their own learning processes to the fore. This study aims to investigate the online learning readiness (OLR) and self-directed learning skills of English language learners at a state university in Turkey. For this purpose, a cross-sectional, descriptive study methodology was employed. The study group consisted of 202 randomly selected first-year volunteer students. An information form and two scales were used to collect data. Additionally, the effects of some demographic factors on EFL students’ OLR and self-directed learning skills were also investigated. The results of the study revealed that university students have a moderate level of self-directed learning and readiness to learn in the online environment. As another result of the study, it was determined that various independent variables had an impact on the participants’ OLR levels. In parallel with the findings of the study, some pedagogical strategies were discussed and suggested.

Self-directed Learning Ability and Shadow Education Expenditures: A Comparison of Impact on Student Achievement in Korea During COVID-19

This study examines the impact of students’ self-directed learning (SDL) ability and parental expenditures for shadow education, and other factors, on academic achievement in South Korea during the pandemic. Busan Education Longitudinal Study panel data for 2019 (pre-COVID) and 2020–2021 (COVID) were utilized. National exam scores of middle and high school students in Korean, English, and math subject areas were analyzed using multiple regression, random effects, and two-way random effects models. The analysis revealed that, during the pandemic, parents’ high expenditures to provide shadow education to complement their children’s public education did not significantly influence academic achievement. In contrast, SDL ability was found to have a significant impact on achievement in all three subject areas during the pandemic. The findings underscore the importance of programs, policies, and teaching strategies that develop students’ SDL skills to enable them to learn on their own when a crisis restricts traditional teacher-guided classroom instruction.

The Relationship Between Nursing Students’ Life-Long Learning Tendencies and Self-Directed Learning Readiness

Frequent and various developments and changes in the nursing profession necessitate lifelong learning and self-learning for nursing profession. To cope with new developments and changes and continue professional development in nursing, it is important to develop the skills of life-long learning and self-directed learning. 
 The study was conducted with 926 nursing students. The data were collected by using an Information Form, the Life-Long Learning Tendencies Scale and the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale. This study was checked with the STARD checklist. The data that were obtained were analyzed by using the SPSS 20.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. The validity and reliability of the scales were tested by Cronbach’s alpha analysis. 
 As a result of the study, it was determined that it is needed to improve the participants’ life-long learning tendencies and self-directed learning readiness levels. A positive, weak and significant relationship was found between the participants’ life-long learning tendencies and self-directed learning readiness levels.
 Based on the results, it may be recommended consider the relationship between these two skills and improve nursing students’ life-long learning tendencies and readiness to learn by themselves by considering these together in nursing education programs.

특성화 고등학교에서 PBL을 활용한 증강현실(AR) 광고디자인 수업 과정 적용과 효과 탐색

With the emergence of new media that combines existing media and new technology, the advertising industry is diversifying its expression and doubling its interaction with consumers through augmented reality technology, a form of new media, to provide realistic experiences and deliver practical information. As a result, augmented reality advertising design is required for students who take classes based on the NCS curriculum to cultivate professionals who will lead the advertising industry in the future and contribute to the development of the advertising industry, but a systematic curriculum has not been established. The design curriculum also aims to be able to create creative digital content using a variety of media. This study aims to develop an advertising design course using augmented reality technology for seniors in specialized high schools, and to develop problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and self-directed learning skills using PBL, a learner-centered teaching and learning method that presents practical problems. To this end, PBL and augmented reality advertising design were theoretically considered and the current status of augmented reality advertising design education was investigated and analyzed through a survey. Based on this, an augmented reality advertising design course using PBL was proposed and the class was implemented. This class was conducted for about 4 weeks from November 1, 2023, to November 28, 2023, and as a result of a survey on a 5-point scale after the end of the class, the overall satisfaction with the class was high at 4.23, confirming high effectiveness.

The effect of flipped learning on nursing students' Asepsis knowledge and learning skills: A randomized controlled study

AimThis study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the flipped learning model on nursing students' asepsis knowledge and learning skills. BackgroundThe flipped learning model enables students to pursue their learning with online support whenever and wherever they want. Students have the responsibility for their learning activities. The flipped learning model is an effective method to improve nursing students' knowledge and skills related to the principles of asepsis with online innovative approaches. DesignThis study has a pre-test post-test open-label, randomized controlled design. MethodThe study sample consisted of 107 first-year nursing students randomized into experimental (n = 53) and control (n = 54) groups. The experimental group students were trained utilizing the flipped learning model. The data were collected through the "Descriptive Characteristics Form of Nursing Students ", the "Principles of Asepsis Knowledge Test" and the " Self-directed Learning Skills Scale". ResultsIt was determined that the post-test knowledge score of the experimental group was statistically significantly higher (p=0.000) than the control group and the median of the retention test knowledge score was statistically significantly higher (p=0.000) than the control group. There was a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in the median score of the self-directed learning skills scale "self-control" sub-dimension of the experimental group. ConclusionFlipped learning increased nursing students' knowledge related to the principles of asepsis and enabled them to take responsibility for learning. This model had a positive effect on students' higher order thinking skills such as critical organization and decision making. It is recommended to use the flipped learning within the scope of nursing education and especially in gaining basic skills. Tweetable abstractA success in today's education; flipped learning

Empowering Asynchronous Arabic Language Learning Through PDF Hyperlink Media

The migration to online learning has brought about several new problems. Poor signal quality, large Internet quotas, and device compatibility with learning applications are the most common complaints among students. Additionally, students’ poor self-directed learning skills, the excessive number of assignments given by teachers, and the use of monotonous teaching methods and media are also identified as issues. Therefore, the development of learning media that facilitate students’ learning processes and support their active engagement becomes crucial. This research aimed to develop PDF hyperlink learning media for online Arabic language learning at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 4 in Hulu Sungai Tengah District, South Kalimantan, Indonesia (MAN 4 HST). The research model used in this study is the 4D model, consisting of four stages: define, design, develop, and disseminate. In this research, layout and accessibility received good validation scores of 4.3, and the presentation of the contents received a good validation score of 4.2. Additionally, the Wilcoxon test results indicated that the use of PDF hyperlink media significantly influences learning outcomes and receives positive feedback from students. Thus, the use of PDF hyperlink media is recommended for educational institutions experiencing digital divides, as well as those implementing asynchronous learning.

Analysis of the Impact of Personalized Learning Paths in Mobile Learning Platforms on the Development of Self-Directed Learning Strategies Among Brazilian College Students

This paper investigates the impact of personalized mobile learning (m-learning) platforms on the development of self-directed learning (SDL) strategies among Brazilian college students. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to explore how personalized learning paths influence SDL skills such as goal-setting, time management, and reflective practice. The quantitative analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between the degree of personalization in m-learning experiences and enhancements in SDL competencies. Qualitative insights further elucidate students’ perceptions of personalized m-learning, highlighting increased motivation, engagement, and a sense of ownership over their learning processes. The research also delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by the Brazilian educational context, including infrastructural limitations and the digital divide. The findings underscore the potential of personalized m-learning platforms to foster learner autonomy and suggest implications for educators, policymakers, and educational technology developers. The study calls for further research on the longitudinal effects of personalized learning and the socio-economic factors affecting m-learning adoption and effectiveness.

A Phenomenological Study of Postgraduate Medical Trainees' Incidental Learning Experiences and Psychological Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, postgraduate medical trainees contributed significantly to the healthcare workforce, as multiple vulnerabilities in the healthcare system and medical training were expounded. The burden of training, learning, and working at this time introduced unique psychological and emotional stressors within a context of generalized volatility and radically different ways to work and learn. This study explored postgraduate trainees' experiences with coping, managing, and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a phenomenological approach, semistructured interviews were conducted with anintradisciplinary sample (n= 8) of postgraduate trainees in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, between May and October 2022. Five researchers performed inductive and deductive thematic analysis to develop a coding structure and identify common themes. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the use of restrictive public health measures and an unprecedented shift from in-person to virtual learning. This affected trainees' exposure to normalized learning experiences, training rotations, and opportunities to learn from peers and staff. Certainly, trainees reported that virtual learning improved their educational experiences in unique ways, increased engagement and attendance, and enabled regular meetings and learning when in-person options were unavailable. Trainees also reported enhanced self-directed learning skills, greater ownership of and leadership in their education, and increased confidence and experience with virtual care. Some also reported a perceived increase in elements of emotional intelligence (e.g., self-awareness, empathy, and compassion). Trainees reported a variety of incidental learning experiences from working and training during COVID-19. Although some experiences were challenging, there was a perception that such experiences led to new learnings that were beneficial to one's professional development and future career, as well as implications for future training provided to trainees. While there was a reported shift in the culture surrounding postgraduate trainees' health and safety, respondents also described the need for additional support for postgraduate trainees' well-being during a pandemic.

The Perceptions and Experiences of In-Service Teachers in a Computer Science Professional Development Program

This research aimed to investigate the perceptions and experiences of in-service teachers participating in a professional development (PD) program focused on computer science (CS). The main research question explored the teachers’ perceptions of their experience in the CSPD program, while sub-research questions examined the challenges encountered and the program’s impact on their capacities to teach CS in elementary schools. The study adopted an interpretivist paradigm and employed a qualitative research approach to understand the subjective meanings and hidden factors underlying teachers’ experiences. Data collection involved observations, reflection essays, and a semi-structured focus group interview. The data analysis was guided by the community of practice elements. The findings revealed prerequisite challenges faced by the teachers, such as the need to develop self-directed learning and research skills. Additionally, the PD program was found to enhance teachers’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in teaching CS. It also fostered changes in their beliefs and self-efficacy. Challenges in the pre-implementation and implementation stages were also revealed, including conflicting perspectives, limited supervisor support, and passive learning and teaching. These findings provide valuable insights that can contribute to the design of effective PD initiatives in CS education and promote sustainable education practices.

Cultivating self-directed learning abilities in K-12 students through immersive online virtual tours

ABSTRACT The present study employed virtual reality technology to develop online learning environments that facilitated student cultural and self-directed learning. Junior high school participants engaged in creating virtual tours, sharing them with peers online, and implementing self-directed learning strategies. A one-group posttest-only design was employed to assess students' perceived enhancement of their self-directed learning skills. Sixteen junior high school students took part in the research. Data collection involved multiple research instruments: (1) interviews with students, (2) questionnaires, (3) teachers' reports, and (4) analysis of the content created by the participants. The results demonstrated that the participants perceived improvements in their abilities to diagnose learning needs, formulate learning goals, actively engage in the learning process, and evaluate their learning experiences by the end of the learning activity. The findings from various data sources suggest that online learning environments utilizing virtual reality technology may effectively foster the development of students' self-directed learning abilities. Moreover, the students expressed satisfaction and a positive perception of their learning experience using VR technology. Consequently, we propose that educators and researchers leverage the insights and outcomes of this study to design similar online learning environments supported by virtual reality technology, aiming to cultivate students' self-directed learning capabilities.

Development of an instrument to measure NEET-youth self-directed learning skills

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid self-report instrument to measure self-directedness in learning for young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET-youth). Accomplishing this purpose involved two stages: (a) formulating scale items that describe the factors of self-directed learning (SDL), and (b) validating the factor structure of the questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis produced a six-factor structure of openness to experiences, resilience, attitudes, future orientation, metacognition, and responsibility. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed a satisfactory model fit and factor loadings. The reliability and convergent validity of the instrument were assessed and the results of the six factors were described and compared across different samples. The resultant 34-item SDL Scale for NEET-youth (SDL-NEET) is a highly reliable (α = 0.927) instrument for using with students and NEET-youth.

Hubungan literasi informasi dengan self-directed learning mahasiswa Fakultas Ilmu Komunikasi

The creation of a thesis, which is the outcome of student research, is one of the requirements for graduation in higher education. In the thesis completion process, students are required to have adequate information literacy and self-directed learning skills. Students of Fikom Unpad, class of 2016, were introduced to the concept of information literacy during the new student orientation and in the TPB (Preparation Stage for Learning) program in the KBLI (Information Literacy Learning Activities) course. This research aims to identify the relationship between information literacy and self-directed learning among Fikom Unpad students of the 2016 class in the thesis preparation process. The research method used is quantitative, utilizing Chi-square and Pearson Product Moment analysis. The theoretical foundation refers to the ACRL (Association of College, Research, and Library) standards of 2000, covering aspects of information needs, information search strategies, information evaluation, information usage, and ethics and law in information use. This study involved 209 students of Fikom Unpad, class of 2016, with a sample size of 136 individuals. The results show a significant relationship between information literacy (X) and self-directed learning (Y), with a high correlation between sub-variable X (information needs, information search strategies, and information usage) and variable Y. Meanwhile, other sub-variables of X (information evaluation, ethics, and the law of information use) have a moderate relationship with variable Y. It was found that students' motivation and self-directed learning ability can increase with improved information literacy skills, considering the interrelation between the indicators of information literacy and self-directed learning. The higher the level of students' information literacy, the better their self-directed learning abilities.

Enhancing Employability Skills of Biology Graduates through an Interdisciplinary Project-Based Service Learning Experience with Engineering and Translation Undergraduate Students

We describe an interdisciplinary experience based on the application of the Project-Based Service Learning (PBSL) methodology for six learning outcomes directly related to employability skills. The objective was to assess students’ learning outcomes, the level of satisfaction of students and lecturers with the PBSL, and the advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of this learning methodology. Interdisciplinary teamwork of undergraduate science, engineering, and humanities students was required to design real-world projects to develop their transferable skills, through the process of learning by doing. Students perceived that PBSL favored employability skills such as knowledge acquisition, self-directed learning, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. Students and lecturers showed high satisfaction with PBSL and outlined its advantages as an active and experiential learning methodology. In conclusion, the implementation of the collaborative and interdisciplinary PBSL methodology is decidedly recommended to enhance Biology, Engineering, and Translation graduates’ learning satisfaction and their future employability.

Assessing the virtual reality perspectives and self-directed learning skills of nursing students: A machine learning-enhanced approach

AimThis study aims to investigate nursing students’ perspectives on virtual reality technologies and their self-directed learning skills, specifically focusing on how these variables interact and influence each other in the context of nursing education. We also discern potential disparities in these skills based on descriptive characteristics, using both traditional statistical and advanced machine learning approaches for a comprehensive analysis. BackgroundRapid developments in technology, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, have brought virtual reality technologies to the forefront of nursing education. However, there is a gap in understanding how nursing students’ perceptions of these technological relate to their development of self-directed learning skills. DesignA descriptive and cross-sectional study design is employed to both quantify nursing students’ perspectives on virtual reality in their education and assess their self-directed learning skills. This approach integrates traditional statistical methods with advanced machine learning techniques, with the intention of offering a comprehensive and nuanced analysis to inform future teaching strategies in nursing. MethodsThe study used a blend of survey scales and a tree-based machine learning model to measure and analyze nursing students’ views, attitudes and self-directed learning levels. This dual approach allows for a more detailed assessment of the factors influencing self-directed learning abilities. Traditional statistical techniques were also applied to assess the reliability of the machine learning findings. ResultsFindings reveal that nursing students generally held positive views towards virtual reality technologies and exhibited a high level of self-directed learning skills. Notable differences in self-directed learning skills were influenced by gender on the overall scale (p <0.001), with male students scoring higher than their female counterparts in both specific sub-dimensions and on the overall scale, but not by academic year. The machine learning analysis provided deeper insights into these variations, highlighting subtle distinctions in student demographics that traditional statistical methods did not fully capture. ConclusionsThe study offers valuable insights into interconnected nature of nursing students’ views on virtual reality technologies and their self-directed learning skills. The results support the integration of virtual reality in nursing curriculum programs and underscore the importance of customizing teaching strategies based on insights gained from machine learning analyses. This approach has the potential to substantially improve both the learning experience and the overall quality of nursing education.

Retraction: Multimedia presentations through digital storytelling for sustainable development of EFL learners' argumentative writing skills, self-directed learning skills and learner autonomy

Retraction: Multimedia presentations through digital storytelling for sustainable development of EFL learners' argumentative writing skills, self-directed learning skills and learner autonomy