Self-directed learning/Measuring Self-Directed Learning: A Diagnostic Tool for Adult Learners
Introductions
According to Khiat (2015:abstract), “This study conceptualised and validated a learning diagnostic test in the context of SIM University (UniSIM), an adult learning institution, in Singapore. The learning diagnostic tool allows the students to identify their strengths and weaknesses in areas of self-directed learning.”
Original item set
The original item set published in Khiat (2015) included 70 items. A 10 factor solution was found and includes 26 items. Therefore from this orginal list 44 items were removed.
1. I can see the benefits for my work and/or personal development from completing the program.
2. I do not monitor how much I have achieved in terms of learning at each stage of a course.
3. I know what I want to achieve in terms of learning from the program.
4 I am at a loss as to what I should be learning over the duration of a course.
5 I set targets to achieve for assignments and examinations for each course.
6 I do not know why I chose the degree program I have enrolled in.
7 I find time to study the learning materials and/or resources in a course.
8 I do not know what I'm supposed to be doing whenever I sit down to study.
9 I feel that I have too much to accomplish in terms of learning towards the end of each course.
10 I do not submit my assignments on time.
11 I plan what I need to learn in a course.
12 I set aside enough time to study for examinations and/or do the assignments in a course.
13 I persist in finishing uncompleted study tasks as quickly as possible.
14 I keep postponing my study tasks designated in a course.
15 I find studying for the course is of high priority for me.
16 I prefer to do other things than study the learning materials or resources.
17 I find excuses for not studying for courses.
18 I follow my study schedule.
19 I do not understand what my instructor says during online presentations.
20 I do not know how to pick up important information during online presentations.
21 I cannot focus during online presentations.
22 I do the required reading before online presentations.
23 I can follow the pace of online presentations.
24 I reflect on what I have learnt during online presentations.
25 I do not understand the assigned readings.
26 I cannot relate the content of the readings to the course objectives.
27 I relate the content of the learning materials or resources to my work or life.
28 I understand what I have written in my own notes taken in seminars or online presentations.
29 I do not know how to make notes from my readings.
30 My notes are sufficient to help me prepare for examinations/assignments.
31 I do well on my assignments.
32 I do not know what is required in my assignments.
33 I do not know how to write my assignments.
34 I am able to present the information in my assignments clearly.
35 The information I gathered for my assignments is relevant.
36 I do not know what information to search for in doing my assignments.
37 I learn from my instructor and peers during online discussions.
38 I do not know how to prepare for online discussions.
39 I can follow the content of threaded discussions.
40 I do not know what to write in response to discussion topics posted on discussion forums.
41 I love attending seminars.
42 I am physically drained when I am studying.
43 I feel motivated whenever I am studying.
44 I fear not doing well on my assignments/assessments.
45 I am demoralised when I do not meet the expectations I set for myself in my studies.
46 I do not worry about not submitting my assignment on time.
47 I do not understand what my instructor says during the seminar sessions.
48 I do not know how to pick up important information during seminars.
49 I cannot focus during seminars.
50 I do the required reading before seminars.
51 I learn from my instructor and peers during seminars.
52 I reflect on what I have learnt during seminars.
53 I can remember the required facts and knowledge during tests and examinations.
54 I am nervous during tests and examinations.
55 I am able to complete all the questions in tests and examinations.
56 I do not understand what is required of me when tackling the questions in tests and examinations.
57 I do poorly in tests and examinations.
58 I feel confident when taking tests and examinations.
59 The internet makes my life more interesting.
60 I try to avoid study work that needs computers.
61 I use social media such as Facebook, Twitter, internet forums etc. regularly.
62 I feel intimidated whenever I use the internet.
63 I have problems using computer software and hardware.
64 I am very comfortable using a computer.
65 The internet provides me with a wealth of resources for my assignments.
66 I do not know how to evaluate and extract relevant information from the internet for my assignments.
67 I am able to use the information I gathered in my assignments meaningfully.
68 I do not know how to use the library resources.
69 I spend too much time researching information for my assignments.
70 The library resources are very useful for researching my assignments.
Validated items by factor
26 items, 10 factor solution
(sorry, this table needs some formatting)
| FACTOR | ITEM | NAME | DEFINITION |
| 1 | The information I gathered for my assignments is relevant. (F1.1) | Assignment Managment | Ability to plan, do and score well in the Tutor marked Assignments and Group Based Assignments |
| I am able to present the information in my assignment clearly. (F1.2) | |||
| 2 | I do not know how to pick up important information during | Online Learning | Ability to learn from online |
| online presentations. (F2.1) | Proficiency | synchronous and | |
| I do not understand what my instructor says during online presentations. (F2.2) | asynchronous lectures and video lectures | ||
| I cannot focus during online presentations (F2.3) | |||
| 3 | I fear not doing well for my assignments/assessments. (F3.1) | Stress | Ability to handle |
| I am demoralised when I do not meet the expectations I set for | Management | academic stress | |
| myself in my studies. (F3.2) | |||
| 4 | I feel intimidated whenever I use the internet. (F4.1) | Technical | Ability in handling UniSIM |
| I have problems using computer software and hardware. (F4.2) | Proficiency | learning managementsystem | |
| I try to avoid study work that needs computers. (F4.3) | |||
| 5 | I find excuses for not studying for courses. (F5.1) | Procrastination | Ability to manage |
| I prefer to do other things than study the learning materials or | Management | procrastination in learning | |
| resources. (F5.2) | |||
| I keep postponing my study tasks designated in a course. | |||
| (F5.3) | |||
| 6 | I do not know how to prepare for online discussions. (F6.1) | Online | Ability to do well in online |
| I do not know what to write in response to discussion topics posted on the discussion forums. (F6.2) | DiscussionProficiency | discussion forums | |
| 7 | I learn from my instructor and peers during seminars. (F7.1) | Seminar Learning | Ability to learn during |
| I reflect on what I have learnt during seminars. (F7.2) | Proficiency | seminars | |
| I love attending seminars. (F7.3) | |||
| 8 | I cannot relate the content of the readings to the course | Comprehension | Ability to understand |
| objectives. (F8.1) | Competence | readings and make study | |
| I do not understand the assigned readings. (F8.2) | notes | ||
| 9 | I do poorly in tests and examinations. (F9.1) | Examination | Ability to plan, do and |
| I feel confident when taking tests and examinations. (F9.2) | Management | score well in examinations | |
| 10 | I plan what I need to learn in a course. (F10.1) | Time | Ability to utilise study time |
| I set targets to achieve for assignments and examination for | Management | effectively | |
| each course. (F10.2) | |||
| I set aside enough time to study for examinations and/or do | |||
| the assignments in a course. (F10.3) | |||
| I find time to study the learning materials and/or resources in | |||
| a course. (F10.4) |
Bibliography
- Khiat, H. (2015). Measuring Self-Directed Learning: A Diagnostic Tool for Adult Learners. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 12(2), 2. http://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp/vol12/iss2/2/?utm_source=ro.uow.edu.au%2Fjutlp%2Fvol12%2Fiss2%2F2&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages, http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1519&context=jutlp