Effective Self-directed Learning (SDL)

Road Map What is SDL? Why we should be self-directed learner ? 12 Tips for SDL Conclusion

Malcolm Shepherd Knowles ( ) In 1975, Knowles published Self-directed Learning, provided foundational definitions and assumptions that guided much subsequent research.

Introduction Continuing process We know how to be taught; we haven’t learn how to learn Most learning is informal and self- directed in nature

Learning: Learning means making use of every resource in or out of educational institutions for our personal growth and development

What is SDL?

SDL Definition: “SDL is any increase in knowledge, skill, accomplishment, or personal development that an individual selects and brings about by his or her own efforts using any method in any circumstances at any time” (Gibbons, 2002)

What is SDL? Is the process for which the individual learner takes the initiative and the responsibility (with or without help) to: assess educational needs, set goals and objectives, plan and identify appropriate educational activities, implement those activities, and evaluate the outcomes.

Process of self directed learning knowles pointed five-step model of SDL consists of: Educational needs, Goals & objectives, Appropriate educational activities, implementation, Evaluation of the outcomes. Could you give me an example??

Why SDL?

Psychological development SDL is more in tune with our natural process of psychological development When we are born we are totally dependent As we grow and mature we develop the need for independence

Match the new movement in adult education Students centered PBL Curricula Computer-based education So, prepare learners

Life long learning Skills We must learn from everything we do We must exploit every experience as a “learning experience” Every institution in the community becomes a resource for learning

Why is Self-Directed Learning important? There is growing evidence that people who take initiative in learning, learn more and learn better than those who don’t. The evidence is also that they learn more deeply and permanently.

When SDL becomes more powerful? When we decide: 1. What areas of knowledge and skills we need to gain in order to get something done (our learning needs and goals) 2. How we will gain the areas of knowledge and skills (our learning objectives and activities) 3. How we will know that we've gained the areas of knowledge and skills (learning evaluation)

Twelve Tips for Effective SDL

1. Identify your learning needs Your self Your patients Your peers / colleagues Your students Your teachers Others; e.g. family members

2. Translate learning needs into learning objectives Specific Reasonable At appropriate level of specificity or generality Personally meaningful Measurable as to accomplishment

SMART Objectives S pecific M easurable A ppropriate R easonable T imely

3. Identify educational resources: Be able to identify human & material resources appropriate to different kinds of learning objectives

4. Organize learning activities Be able to select effective strategies for making use of learning resources & to perform these strategies skillfully & with initiative

5. Set a doable and practical plan Don’t be idealistic; try first, with feasible learning activity Time schedule

6. Set a learning contract Learning objectives Learning resources & strategies Evidence of accomplishment

7. Make use of electronic resources Don’t be the last one…learn how to use it effectively Be selective Time management

8. Maintain high motivation Internal factors External factors Incentives

9. Be skillful time manager First things first Prioritize Learn & practice

Priority Table Urgent Not urgent Important √ Not important √

10. Be skillful critical reader Select appropriate; 1. reading materials, 2. time & 3. place Scan the contents Scan the summary Be critical reader Highlights &/or take notes Self-assessment

11. Self-assessment Written test / practical exam Peer discussion Discussion with tutor or resource person practice

12. Evaluate educational process The whole process You may ask for external evaluator

Essential References: htm Academictips.org