Self-directed learning approaches and effectiveness

Self-Direct Learning

Self-directed learning is one of the latest trends in the field of education and it is increasingly becoming more and more popular due to a wide variety of reasons. "Quality learning in higher education is characterized by the ability to discover knowledge independently; the ability to grasp relations between existing and new knowledge; the application of knowledge in problem-solving; and the desire for more knowledge." (Nightingale and O'Neil 1994 as cited in de Bruin, 2007; p.1). This is the crux of the concept of self-directed learning. It creates an environment and gives an opportunity for people to learn and discover knowledge that will help them to improve their lives on all fronts -- personal and professional.

"The concept of self-directed learning refers to any form of learning in which the individual is primarily responsible for the planning, implementation and evaluation of learning. Based on this, one would expect that self-directed learners would make use of independent learning opportunities, show intrinsic motivation and interest in learning and have positive self-esteem and self-confidence regarding learning." (de Bruin, 2007 p. 4). Based on this understanding, it is possible to ascertain the different factors that influence an adult involved in self-directed learning. Two most important factors are personality of the individual and the environment of learning.

Personality Traits of the Adult

The ability of an individual to pursue self-directed learning depends to a large extent on their personality. Many aspects like biographical factors, educational achievement and learning style of students play a vital role in the self-directed learning of an individual. A lot of research has been going on for years to understand the connection between personality traits and academic performance with a special emphasis on self-directed learning.

McCrae & Costa (1995) have brought out five important traits that they believe play a vital role in learning among adults. These five factors are Neuroticism (anxiety), extroversion, openness to experience (independence), agreeableness (sensitivity) and conscientiousness (Superego strength). Though, there are other minor traits that have been brought out by other researchers, these five are considered to be the most important.

Adults who are open to experiences tend to be more creative and imaginative and this can induce them to explore more on their own. This makes them the perfect candidates for self-directed learning. Conscientiousness is another trait that facilitates self-directed learning because these people have the inner strength to pursue, despite all odds and they are known to avoid procrastination. Neuroticism is a trait that has a negative influence on academic performance. A person who is very anxious tends to get very nervousness during an assessment or examination and this can have a profound impact on their performance. So, self-directed learning is not ideal for people who are high on anxiety. Similarly, people who are high on extroversion tend to be less successful in self-directed learning because their gregarious nature requires them to be in a group and interact with other kinds of people. So, this solitary kind of learning may not be very acceptable for them. These studies performed by different researchers have established a firm connection between personality and self-directed learning.

Other than these personality traits, a self-directed learner must also have the ability to self-assess their performance and make changes to it as and when needed. "Self-directed learners demonstrate a commitment to change by building critique and assessment into their everyday actions. By reexamining and clarifying various aspects of the values, purposes, goals, strategies and outcomes, they continue to learn and develop an even more positive disposition toward continued learning." Costa and Callick (2004;p.7). This self-assessment and the constant urge to improve are important attributes that will help self-learners to be more successful.

Besides the individual traits, the environment is also very important. The traditional forms of study are being slowly replaced by the Internet, that has transformed life in every sense.

Internet

The second factor that can affect self-directed learning is the environment in which the learning occurs. In today's high-paced technological world, Internet has become the primary environment in which adults learn on their own. There are many advantages of using the Internet as a medium of learning. The first is the availability of information. One can find answers to pretty much any question on the Internet. This vast amount of information makes it easier for self-directed learners to expand their knowledge.