Self-Directed Learning Overview

Self-Directed Learning (SDL)

• SDL is a process where learners take initiative and responsibility for their learning, with or without assistance.
• It involves assessing one's educational needs, setting goals and objectives, planning and identifying appropriate activities, implementing those activities, and evaluating outcomes.
• Learners should plan, execute, and evaluate their own learning.

Learning

• Learning is a continuous process resulting in relatively permanent modifications in thinking, feeling, and doing.
• Learning includes utilizing all resources, formal or informal, for personal growth.

Introduction to SDL

• Learners know how to be taught but not necessarily how to learn effectively.
• Most learning happens outside formal educational settings.
• The only educated person is one who knows how to learn (Roger's 1983)

Objectives for Effective SDL

• Defining SDL
• Understanding the rationale behind SDL
• Locating and utilizing appropriate learning resources
• Making SDL effective
• Evaluating learning outcomes

Malcolm Knowles

• Malcolm Knowles (1913-1997) is associated with the study of adult education theories, including self-directed learning.

Road Map

• Defining SDL
• Why learners should be self-directed
• 12 Tips for SDL
• Conclusion

Think, Pair & Share

• A discussion method where learners think individually, discuss in pairs, and then share their thoughts with the larger group. The question posed here was: What is learning?

Learning, Definition

• Learning is a continuous process that results in some modification, relatively permanent, of the way learners think, feel, and act.

Learning, and resources

• Learning involves utilizing resources both inside and outside educational institutions.

Essential Issues

• Assess educational needs
• Set goals and objectives
• Plan and identify appropriate educational activities
• Implement the chosen activities
• Evaluate outcomes

Psychological Development

• SDL aligns with natural psychological development, as individuals progress from dependence to independence.

Pedagogy vs Andragogy

• Pedagogy and andragogy are different approaches to education, and learning.

Life-long Learning Skills

• Learning should occur from all experiences.
• Every institution can be a source of learning.

SDL Power

• When SDL is more powerful, learners decide:
  • Specific areas of knowledge and skills needed
  • Ways to gain the needed knowledge and skills
  • Methods to determine if learning was gained

Twelve Tips for Effective SDL

• Identify Learning Needs: Understanding personal needs is key for effective learning.
• Translate Learning Needs to Objectives: Translate identified needs to concrete, measurable objectives (specific, feasible, and personally meaningful).
• Identify Educational Resources: Identifying relevant resources (human and material) is important for learning.
• Organize Learning Activities: Selecting and implementing effective learning strategies using the identified resources.
• Create and Plan Activities: Establishing a practical and attainable learning plan with a realistic schedule.
• Define a Learning Contract: Creating a contract outlining learning objectives, resources, and an evaluation method.
• Utilize Electronic Resources: Using electronic resources effectively (and selectively) and efficiently.
• Maintain High Motivation: Maintaining personal motivation (internal and external factors) is key.
• Manage Time Effectively: Organising time to prioritise tasks is crucial.
• Develop Critical Reading Skills: Developing skills of interpreting and evaluating written materials.
• Implement Self-Assessment: Implementing a system of self-evaluation is essential.
• Evaluate the Learning Process: The whole learning process, and the results, should be evaluated.