A Study of Self-Directed Learning Skills of University Students
Abstract
The objective of the study was to find out difference in opinion of university graduates on self-directed learning skills (SDLS) on the base of their gender, sector (public & private), discipline and their program. The sample of the study comprised of 584 university students from the three public and three private universities of Lahore. These six universities were selected randomly from the district Lahore. All of the six universities were general universities. The data were assembled by adopting a Self-Developed questionnaire on SDLS. The mean difference of the above mentioned factors were found by using inferential statistics t-test and ANOVA. The findings showed no difference in concerning male and female university students’ application of self-directed learning skills. Both of them used different techniques to meet their academic needs. Same is the case with public and private universities. While there was found some difference on the base of their disciplines students of fine and performing arts are the individuals whom are more concerned with the self-directed learning skills. They are performing most of their work on the base of self-creativity, because they are the students whom are preparing their own trends. Lastly the difference on the base of program showed that the students of postgraduate level are more concerned with the SDLS.
Downloads
Article Analytics Summary
References
Aly, M., Willems, G., Carels, C., & Elen, J. (2003). Instructional multimedia programs for self‐directed learning in undergraduate and postgraduate training in orthodontics. European Journal of Dental Education, 7(1), 20-26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0579.2003.00263.x
Aral, N. (1999). Sanat egitimi-yaratıcılık etkilesimi. Hacettepe Universitesi Egitim Fakultesi Dergisi, 15(15), 11-17.
Aspin, D., & Chapman, J. (2001). Towards a philosophy of lifelong learning. In International handbook of lifelong learning (pp. 3-33). Springer, Dordrecht. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0916-4_1
Beach, P. (2017). Self-directed online learning: A theoretical model for understanding elementary teachers' online learning experiences. Teaching and Teacher Education, 61, 60-72. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2016.10.007
Blaschke, L. M. (2012). Heutagogy and lifelong learning: A review of heutagogical practice and self-determined learning. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 13(1), 56-71. DOI: https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v13i1.1076
Boyer, S. L., Edmondson, D. R., Artis, A. B., & Fleming, D. (2014). Self-directed learning: A tool for lifelong learning. Journal of Marketing Education, 36(1), 20-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0273475313494010
Boyer, N. R., & Usinger, P. (2015). Tracking pathways to success: triangulating learning success factors. International Journal of Self-Directed Learning, 12(2), 22-48.
Brookfield, S. D. (2009). Self-directed learning. In International handbook of education for the changing world of work (pp. 2615-2627). Springer, Dordrecht. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5281-1_172
Cadorin, L., Bressan, V., & Palese, A. (2017). Instruments evaluating the self-directed learning abilities among nursing students and nurses: a systematic review of psychometric properties. BMC medical education, 17(1), 1-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-017-1072-3
Candy, P. C. (1990). The transition from learner-control to autodidaxy: More than meets the eye. Advances in research and practice in self-directed learning, 9-46.
Cazan, A. M., & Schiopca, B. A. (2014). Self-directed learning, personality traits and academic achievement. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 127, 640-644. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.03.327
Chipamaunga, S. R. (2015). How students develop the ability to integrate learning—a phenomenographic study (Doctoral dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg).
Cook, D. A., Blachman, M. J., Price, D. W., West, C. P., Berger, R. A., & Wittich, C. M. (2017). Professional development perceptions and practices among US physicians: a cross-specialty national survey. Academic Medicine, 92(9), 1335-1345. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000001624
Council, N. (2000). How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school: Expanded edition. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press.
Demirtaş, H., & Ozer, N. (2007). Öğretmen adaylarının zaman yonetimi becerileri ile akademik basarısı arasındaki iliskisi. Egitimde Politika Analizleri ve Stratejik Araştırmalar Dergisi, 2(1), 34-47.
Dunlap, J. C., & Grabinger, S. (2003). Preparing students for lifelong learning: A review of instructional features and teaching methodologies. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 16(2), 6-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1937-8327.2003.tb00276.x
Edmondson, D. R., Boyer, S. L., & Artis, A. B. (2012). Self-directed learning: A meta-analytic review of adult learning constructs. International Journal of Education Research, 7(1), 40-48.
Fisher, M., King, J., & Tague, G. (2001). Development of a self-directed learning readiness scale for nursing education. Nurse education today, 21(7), 516-525. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1054/nedt.2001.0589
Fredriksson, U., & Hoskins, B. (2007). The development of learning to learn in a European context. The Curriculum Journal, 18(2), 127-134. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09585170701445921
Tekkol, İ. A., & Demirel, M. (2018). An investigation of self-directed learning skills of undergraduate students. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 2324. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02324
Greveson, G. C., & Spencer, J. A. (2005). Self-directed learning--the importance of concepts and contexts. Medical education, 39(4), 348-349. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2929.2005.02115.x
Grover, K. (2015). Online social networks and the self-directed learning experience during a health crisis. International Journal of Self-Directed Learning, 12(1), 1-15.
Guglielmino, L. (1977). Development of the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale, (unpublished doctoral dissertation), University of Microfilm International. Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Guglielmino, P. J., Guglielmino, L. M., & Long, H. B. (1987). Self-directed learning readiness and performance in the workplace. Higher Education, 16(3), 303-317. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00148972
Haggerty, D. L. (2000). Engaging adult learners in self-directed learning and its impact on learning styles (Doctoral dissertation, University of New Orleans).
Hendry, G. D., & Ginns, P. (2009). Readiness for self-directed learning: validation of a new scale with medical students. Medical teacher, 31(10), 918-920. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/01421590802520899
Hofmann, P. (2008). Learning to learn: a key-competence for all adults? Convergence, 41(2), 173-181.
Hutto, S. T. (2009). The relationships of learning style balance and learning dimensions to self-directed learning propensity among adult learners, (unpublished doctor of philosophy thesis). The University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi.
Jennett, P. A. (1992). Self‐directed learning: A pragmatic view. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 12(2), 99-104. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/chp.4750120208
Jiusto, S., & DiBiasio, D. (2006). Experiential Learning Environments: Do They Prepare Our Students to be Self‐Directed, Life‐Long Learners? Journal of Engineering Education, 95(3), 195-204. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2006.tb00892.x
Kaufman, D. M. (2003). Applying educational theory in practice. Bmj, 326(7382), 213-216. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.326.7382.213
Knowles, M. S. (1975). Self-directed learning: A guide for learners and teachers, Cambridge: Englewood Cliffs.
Lopes, J. B., & Cunha, A. E. (2017). Self-directed professional development to improve effective teaching: Key points for a model. Teaching and Teacher Education, 68, 262-274. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.09.009
Mamary, E., & Charles, P. (2003). Promoting self-directed learning for continuing medical education. Medical teacher, 25(2), 188-190. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159031000092607
Merriam, S. B., Caffarella, R. S., & Baumgartner, L. M. Learning in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide, (San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons/Jossey-Bass, 2007. Reflective Practice: Formation and Supervision in Ministry, 31.
Mocker, D. W., & Spear, G. E. (1982). Lifelong learning: Formal, nonformal, informal, and self-directed. Columbus, OH: ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education.
Oddi, L. F. (1984). Department of an instrument to measure self-directed continuing learning. (Unpublished Doctor of Education Thesis). Northern Illinois University, Illinois.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (1996). Lifelong learning for all: meeting of the Education Committee at Ministerial level, 16-17 January 1996. Paris: OECD.
O'Shea, E. (2003). Self‐directed learning in nurse education: a review of the literature. Journal of advanced nursing, 43(1), 62-70. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2648.2003.02673.x
Rawson, M. (2000). Learning to learn: more than a skill set. Studies in Higher Education, 25(2), 225-238. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/713696137
San, I. (1983). Sanat Egitimi Kuramlari [Theories of Art Education]. Ankara: Tan. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1501/Egifak_0000000828
Sawatsky, A. P., Ratelle, J. T., Bonnes, S. L., Egginton, J. S., & Beckman, T. J. (2017). A model of self-directed learning in internal medicine residency: a qualitative study using grounded theory. BMC medical education, 17(1), 1-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-017-0869-4
Shen, W. Q., Chen, H. L., & Hu, Y. (2014). The validity and reliability of the self-directed learning instrument (SDLI) in mainland Chinese nursing students. BMC medical education, 14(1), 1-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6920-14-108
Slater, C. E., Cusick, A., & Louie, J. C. (2017). Explaining variance in self-directed learning readiness of first year students in health professional programs. BMC medical education, 17(1), 1-10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-017-1043-8
Spencer, J. A., & Jordan, R. K. (1999). Learner centred approaches in medical education. Bmj, 318(7193), 1280-1283. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.318.7193.1280
Stockdale, S. L., & Brockett, R. G. (2011). Development of the PRO-SDLS: A measure of self-direction in learning based on the personal responsibility orientation model. Adult Education Quarterly, 61(2), 161-180. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0741713610380447
Swart, A. J. (2018). Self-directed learning - fashionable among all first-year African engineering students? Global Journal of Engineering Education, 20 (1), 15–22.
Tatlah, I. A. (2015). Effect of leadership behaviour and school organizational health on students’achievement. Lahore: (Unpublished Doctoral Thesis) University of Management and Technology, Lahore.
Tatlah, I. A., Iqbal, M. Z., Amin, M., & Quraishi, U. Q. (2014). Effect of leadership behaviour of principals on students' academic achievement at secondary level: A comparison of leaders and teachers perceptions. Journal of Research and Reflections in Education, 1-12.
Turner, J. E. (2007). Readiness for Self-Directed Learning: Comparison of College-Prep and Vocational Education Public High School Seniors. (Unpublished Doctor of Philosophy Thesis). University of Missouri, St. Louis.
Williamson, S. N. (2007). Development of a self-rating scale of self-directed learning. Nurse researcher, 14(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.7748/nr2007.01.14.2.66.c6022
Yaman, F. (2014). Investigating of lifelong learning tendency of teachers (The example of Diyarbakir. (Unpublished master’s thesis). Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey.
Copyright (c) 2021 Muhammad Ahmed Qadri, Shaheen Pasha

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
CSRC Publishing and JAFEE adhere to Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International License. The authors, submitting and publishing in the Journal of Accounting and Finance in Emerging Economies published by CSRC Publishing, retain the copyright of their work and give the journal right to publish their work agreeing to the licensing policy under Creative Common Attribution-Non Commercial (NC-BY-NC 4.0) International. Under this license, the published authors let others remix, tweak, and build upon their work non-commercially. Yet all the other authors using the content of CSRC Publishing are required to cite author(s), journal name and publisher in their work. CSRC Publishing and JAFEE follow an Open Access Policy for copyright and licensing.