Self-directed learning as a five-step process learners control themselves¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 2 studies (1 review, 1 associational), q2 · 0 of 2 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

Self-directed learning (SDL) derives from andragogy and describes a process in which the adult learner guides and directs the process, participating fully in evaluating learning needs, planning, implementing and evaluating content learned. Knowles' early definition lists diagnosing learning needs, formulating goals, identifying resources, choosing and implementing strategies, and evaluating outcomes. The article treats SDL as both external instructional process characteristics and internal learner characteristics such as self-discipline and curiosity, and measures it as a motivation variable in the correlational study.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Learners must be given the opportunity to guide and direct the learning process, including evaluating their own needs, planning and evaluating outcomes

Constraints¶

• Scholars and educators acknowledge SDL is poorly understood among many stakeholders, causing difficulty in both theoretical and practical usage

Target Learners¶

• Adult immigrant learners
• International students

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Managing one's own learning path
• English skills development
• Integration

Claims¶

• Tough's 1971 study found nearly all adults had undertaken a learning project in the past year, 68% self-planned and under 1% for credit, with women's categories logging fewer hours [+W]
• Adult immigrants' perspectives of learning formats, self-directed learning, and motivation correlate significantly with English skills acquisition and integration [+W]

Related Theories¶

• Knowles' andragogy (Adult Learning Theory) as the framework for adult immigrant instruction
• Three-dimension framework distinguishing self-initiated learning, self-direction as personal attribute, and self-direction as educational goal
• Five adult learning theories — andragogy, experiential learning, self-directed learning, transformational learning, and neuroscience — as a design framework for adult-learning technology

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Covington, K. C. D. (2024). Examining the learner perspective in US immigrant adults: Socioeconomic status and the mission to successfully integrate. Doctoral study. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED660747