Self-Directed Learning: Principle and General concept

Supreeya Wongtra-ngan

27/08/04

Learning Theories

• Behaviorism

Learning : result of reinforcing responses to stimuli

Skinner

Learning Theories

• Cognitivism/Constructivism

Constructs own understandings of reality through interaction w/ environment and reflection on actions

Bruner

Learning Theories• HumanismPersonal freedom,

choice, responsibility

Achievement motivation towards highest levels

Control of own destiny

Maslow

Knowles

Learning theories

Adult learner by Knowles,1990

SDL

• Method of organising teaching and learning

• Learning style

• A goal towards which learners strive

Educational approachAssumptions

Teacher-directed (Pedagogy)

Self – directed (Andragogy)

Concept of the learner

Dependent personality

Increasingly self-directed

Role of learner’s experience

Less, need transmitted resource

A rich resource for learning

Readiness to learn

Varies with levels of maturation

Develops from life tasks and problems

Orientation to learning

Subject - centred

Task – or problem –centred

Motivation External rewards and punishments

Internal incentives, curiosity

SDL by M Knowles

• Part I : The learner

• Part II : The teacher

• Part III : Learning resources

Knowles

Adult learner

• Adult are independent and self-directing

•Accumulate a great deal of experience (a rich

source for learning)

•Value learning that integrates w/ the demands

of their everyday life

Knowles

Adult learner

•More interested in immediate, problem centered approaches

•More activated to learn by internal drives

Knowles

SDL by M Knowles

• Part I : The learner• Setting a climate :warm, mutual

respect, clear role, mutual trust• Diagnostic needs for learning : why

SDL?, what SDL?, what competencies required?

• Design a learning plan : Learning contract

SDL by M Knowles

• Part I : The learner

• Part II : The teacher• Setting a climate• Define a new role : facilitate process

design• Develop self-directed learner• Implement the role of facilitator:

meeting 3 hr/wk

SDL by M Knowles

• Part I : The learner

• Part II : The teacher

• Part III : Learning resources• Identify specific resources and

strategies for each objectives

Key elements of SDL

The learner takes initiative for:

• Diagnosing learning needs

• Formulating goals

• Identifying resources

• Implementing appropriate activities

• Evaluating outcomes

SDL learner

Key features of guided discovery learning

• A context and frame for student learning through the provision of learning outcomes

• Learners have responsibility for

exploration of content necessary for

understanding through SDL

Key features of guided discovery learning

• Study guides are used to facilitate and

guide SDL

• Understanding is reinforced through

application in problem oriented, task

based, and work related experiences

Congratulation!

How to develop SDL in our learners?

Teacher’s role:

Independent

Dependent(Role modeling)

Coaching

Facilitating

How to develop SDL in our learners?

Develop and practice skills that improve SDL:

• ASKING QUESTION• CRITICALLY APPRAISING NEW

INFORMATION

• IDENTIFYING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL GAPS

• REFLECTIG CRITICALLY ON LEARNING PROCESS AND OUTCOMES

Who is engaged in SDL?

• Some adults are incapable of engaging in SDL because they lack independence, confidence, or resource

• Not all adults prefer the SDL option

Brookfield 1985

SDL is NOT likely

• Self study• Assignment• Teacher way out• Do whatever students want• etc

Failure of SDL

Why SDL not success?

Learner

• Low confidence Learn from one another

• Poor self-concept Portfolio review and assessment

Feedback

etc

Why SDL not success?

Teacher• Threat to their authority

Institution

• Difficult to change

Help me growing