Self-Directed Learning in Formal Education Settings By: John Armes Post University, 2015

Self-Directed Learning Individuals take the initiative in diagnosing their learning needs, formulate goals, identify resources for learning, implement strategies for learning, and ultimately evaluate their outcome. (Knowles, 1975) Motivation can come from the individual or from another source, however motivation is necessary According to the Center for Teaching Excellence (2014), self directed learning is when an individual student or person takes the initiative to choose a topic, research it, find resources to assist them, and later evaluates their overall outcome. This type of learning is split into 4 Steps which are labeled as follows: 1. Preparing yourself to learn; 2. Setting Learning Goals; 3. Engaging in the Learning Process; 4. Evaluating Learning. Each individual step incorporates several sub steps that are completed prior to moving on to the next step or process. Let’s take a closer look at each step: Being Ready to Learn: Signs of readiness for self-directed learning include being: autonomous, organized, self-disciplined, able to communicate effectively, and able to accept constructive feedback and engage in self-evaluation and self­-reflection. Setting Learning Goals: Many sources such as the Center for Teaching Excellence recommend creating a contract that includes the following: Goals for the unit of study, Structure and sequence of activities, A timeline for completion of activities, Details about resource materials for each goal, Details about grading procedures, A section for advising faculty member feedback and evaluation as each goal is completed, A plan for regular meetings with the advising faculty member and other unit policies, such as work turned in late. Engaging in the Learning Process: Students need to understand themselves as learners in order to understand their needs as self-directed learning students, This includes the student realizing what they need to learn. Evaluating Learning: Students must be able to self-reflect and realize what they have learned and what they need to go over again. Self-directed learning takes dedication and motivation that comes from the person doing the learning and other sources as well.

Formal Education Settings Classroom or School based instruction Typically led by trained teachers or instructors Structured curriculum and set of standards Typically instruction is established by someone else and material is presented for learning According to Dr. Sarah Eaton, formal education is “Organized, guided by a formal curriculum, leads to a formally recognized credential such as a high school completion diploma or a degree, and is often guided and recognized by government at some level. Teachers are usually trained as professionals in some way (Eaton, 2014, pg. 1).” This type of setting can be found throughout the United States in public and private K-12 institutions and in higher education institutions in each state. Typically, instruction is teacher led and the curriculum and lessons have been researched and examined by professionals in those particular fields. This includes classroom lectures and direct face to face instruction and can go as far as formal online learning programs as well. Often times, lessons are presented in order for students to better understand a concept or subject that will be formally tested on.

Self-Directed Learning Within the Formal Education Setting Encourages students to work on their own and research topics they find interesting Motivates them and teaches them how to learn on their own Encourages the attitude of “You Can” do something Requires students to research and inquire for more information Formal education settings such as classrooms provide students with beneficial information, however in many cases students can experience more when they are encouraged to be a self-directed learner and are provided with those opportunities in class. For example, if a history teacher is discussing World War 1, the teacher could encourage the students to research a specific topic from WW1 that interests them. This allows the student to research and receive information on a topic they have interest in rather than them feeling like they are being force fed information. This also allows students to learn on their own outside of the formal setting. Self-directed learning is a great tool that can contribute to a more developed understanding of classroom content in both K-12 settings and higher education settings. This style of learning can only be beneficial to students if instructors are motivating students to learn on their own and continue to research and fond areas of interest. Encouragement can go a very long way in any classroom; whether you are in a K-12 classroom or in a higher education institution, provide your students with the motivation to learn on their own and promote lifelong learning.

Self-Directed Learning Resources Personal Learning Plan Template Learning Contract Template Personal Development Plan The resources on this page will provide you with 3 templates that can be used in the development of a self-directed learning plan that will allow a person to choose a topic of interest and develop a road map of how they want to approach the subject and the ending self assessment. Further information on these 3 documents can be found on the hyperlinked cite as well.

Resources Bull, B. (2014, June 3). 5 Templates to Use for Self- Directed Learning Projects. Retrieved May 29, 2015. Eaton, S. (2010, December 31). Formal, Non-formal and Informal Learning: What Are the Differences? Retrieved May 29, 2015. Self-Directed Learning: A Four-Step Process. (n.d.). Retrieved May 29, 2015. What is Self-Directed Learning? (n.d.). Retrieved May 29, 2015.