Self directed learning

SELF DIRECTED LEARNING 

It is a process in which individuals take the initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning goals, identifying human and material resources for learning, choosing and implementing appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes. Integrating SDL can act as a useful strategy for enhancing language skills and can be successfully used as a useful tool for motivating learners to engage themselves in learning activities both inside and outside of classroom. The advances in modern technology during the past decade have provided a large amount of learning resources and information for language learners. Therefore, it is essential to train students who value autonomous and self-directed learning. Self-directed learning (SDL) is an emerging form of learning that has emerged due to the availability of learning resource material.

Students who pose SDL skills need regulation, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, control and success during their learning activities. Some of the SDL skills can be individual’s attitude towards taking more responsibility in learning process, eagerness for studying and learning, time management, challenging and solving problems and controlling and assessment SDL skills can be classified in two major areas including general skills (cognitive and information processing skills) and personal characteristics. It has been highlighted that a SDL learner should be able to determine learning objectives, recognizing suitable resources for learning, applying appropriate learning strategies, controlling and assessing the learning outcomes. 

Seven characteristics of self- directed learning: 

Playfulness, Autonomy, Internalised Evaluations, Openness to Experience, Intrinsic Motivation, Self Acceptance and Flexibility.

How to Pursue More Self-Directed Learning

1. Identify your learning goals.

2. Question the significance of things.

3. Seek out interesting challenges.

4. Monitor your own learning process.

5. Understand your own approach.

6. Use game-based motivation strategies.

7. Start with background on a topic.

8. Cultivate intrinsic motivation.

9. Share your learning with peers and mentors.

10. Create something out of what you’ve learned.

11. Build your own personal learning syllabus.

12. Use time (or lack thereof) to your advantage.

13. Pursue knowledge, not good grades.

14. Create your own personal learning record.

15. Verbalise your achievements.

16. Make a list of topics “to master.”

17. Practise using what you’ve learned.

18. Value progress over performance.

19. Keep your goals realistic.

20. Build a network of “learning colleagues.”

Advantages and disadvantages of SDL

Advantages

• You can choose your own pace, learning material, everything is up to you

• Less stressed about failures

• No need to pay the teacher

• Neither location constrained nor time bound

• Can take place anytime anywhere

Disadvantages

• No face to face interaction

• No discipline

• Slow evolution