Self-Directed Learning
Overview
Self-directed learning is the inwardly directed learning practice in which a learner actively seeks out knowledge. In the process learning goals and success criteria are assigned by the learners themselves, and are self-assessed.
Self-directed learning is the inwardly directed learning practice in which a learner actively seeks out knowledge. In the process learning goals and success criteria are assigned by the learners themselves, and are self-assessed.
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Key Concepts
Self-interest
Self-interest
- Self-Directed learning is fundamentally pragmatic in nature, essentially learning “selfishly”. It is driven from self interest, and usually geared towards a specific end goal. For example, Think of someone who watches a YouTube video to figure out how to change the headlight of their car, or how to beat the last boss in a video game.
- One of the main concepts of Self-Directed Learning is the concept of a lifelong learning journey.Learning can take on many forms, and does not stop at a certain age. Adults, in particular, are interested in learning things that will help advance a particular aspect of their lives, children’s lives, or their careers.
Practical Suggestions for Educators
Co-Construction of Learning Goals
Co-Construction of Learning Goals
- One of the key aspects of self-directed learning, and what makes it so powerful is that students are learning about things that they are genuinely interested in knowing. By going into the curriculum and giving students some autonomy is what they will learn as part of their learning goals and success criteria, students will be more interested in the class activities and the learning goals in general.
- Self-assessment is a large part of Self-Directed learning. Large assignments should be broken into “chunks” and teachers should monitor self-assessment process. It should be done after and before every major evaluation to help both the student and the facilitator of knowledge pick up on areas that the student is lacking in, and help correct them along the way.
- It is important for teachers to answer questions that ask " why is it important" or "what's in it for me". Student want to learn and are interested when they believe or understand that the information is relevant. Instructor feedback is a good way to gauge how well you are facilitating their growth, and potentially get suggestions for how you can be more effective as an instructor. Every group is different, and communication between instructor and learner is important to make sure material and lessons stay relevant and useful.
Resources
1. Self-Directed Learning: A Four-Step Process | Centre for Teaching Excellence. (2018, February 28). Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/tips-students/self-directed-learning/self-directed-learning-four-step-process.
2. Manning, G. (n.d.). Self-Directed Learning: A Key Component of Adult Learning Theory. Retrieved from https://www.bpastudies.org/bpastudies/article/view/38/78
1. Self-Directed Learning: A Four-Step Process | Centre for Teaching Excellence. (2018, February 28). Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/tips-students/self-directed-learning/self-directed-learning-four-step-process.
2. Manning, G. (n.d.). Self-Directed Learning: A Key Component of Adult Learning Theory. Retrieved from https://www.bpastudies.org/bpastudies/article/view/38/78